Why Mold In Your Reusable Straw Might Not Be As Dangerous as You Think

@senneskin

I would be sooo happy if this is the reason I have been sick for 3 years so I can finally get an answer and get better🤞🏻 PSA that probably everyone already knows, you have to clean the straw in your water bottle😳😳 I forgot to explain in the video, I only use my drink bottle on weekdays so maybe that’s why I don’t get sick on weekends and I have often not used it for months at a time which could be when I was feeling better?? Please note, @frankgreen_official clearly state on the their website to wash all parts of the bottle each time you use it, so this is 100% my own fault for not reading or using common sense🫣

♬ original sound – senneskin

The reusable straw has been lauded as an eco-friendly alternative to its plastic counterpart. Yet, a viral TikTok post by Kayla Houlihan recently cast a cloud of concern over the product’s safety when she discovered black mold in her reusable straw, leading her to believe it had been causing her long-term health issues. However, according to health experts, this is unlikely, and the incident provides an opportunity to address proper sanitation of reusable items.

Houlihan, who operates the Australia-based brand Tribe Skincare, shared her personal experience on TikTok, revealing that she had found chunks of black mold in the straw of her reusable water bottle. For three years, she had been suffering from stomach problems without a clear medical diagnosis. She hypothesized that the mold could be the hidden culprit.

In the wake of Houlihan’s viral revelation, many viewers voiced their own fears about the potential risks of not properly sanitizing reusable water products. However, expert opinion largely dismisses the notion that the mold in her straw could be causing her symptoms.

David Denning, a professor of infectious disease at the University of Manchester, explains that while mold does emit mycotoxins that can be harmful to humans, it’s unlikely Houlihan’s straw held enough to cause serious harm. Large quantities, such as those found in moldy buildings, can cause health issues like asthma due to the high level of exposure.

Houlihan’s two-year usage of the straw could imply “chronic exposure,” which might manifest symptoms like fatigue and coughing but would unlikely lead to the gastrointestinal issues she described. Our stomachs contain acid that kills certain fungi, including mold. A 2018 study showed that mycotoxins can cause gastrointestinal problems, but most people with good gut health should be able to eliminate them naturally.

Nevertheless, the controversy surrounding Houlihan’s revelation highlights the importance of proper hygiene practices with reusable items, even if they are just used for water. Mold spores can be airborne or carried on clothes and will grow when they land in a high-moisture area.

Houlihan acknowledged her responsibility in allowing mold to grow on her straw and shared that the sustainable-product retailer she purchased her water bottle from, Frank Green, instructs customers to wash their bottles with soapy water after every use. The brand also sells small brushes for cleaning stainless steel straws.

Should you discover mold in your water bottle, Anderson suggests using a small brush, fast-running water, or soaking it in hot water to remove debris. If properly cleaned and sanitized, the bottle is safe for continued use, although some people may prefer to discard it.