If you’ve made the switch from plastic to paper drinking straws thinking it’s a more environmentally friendly choice, a recent study suggests you might need to reconsider. New research raises concerns about paper straws containing persistent and potentially toxic chemicals.
69 per cent of the tested brands were found to contain PFAS
In a groundbreaking examination within Europe and only the second of its kind globally, Belgian scientists investigated 39 different brands of straws to assess the presence of synthetic chemicals called poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Surprisingly, a significant portion (69%) of the tested brands were found to contain PFAS, encompassing a total of 18 distinct PFAS chemicals. This extensive study, published in the journal Food Additives & Contaminants, highlighted that paper straws were the most problematic, with PFAS detected in a staggering 90% of the brands examined. Furthermore, PFAS were identified in 80% of bamboo straw brands, 75% of plastic straw brands, and 40% of glass straw brands.
Interestingly, none of the five types of steel straws tested showed any traces of PFAS. This information comes at a time when numerous nations, including India, the UK, and Belgium, are prohibiting the sale of single-use plastic items, driving the popularity of plant-based alternatives, including straws.
Dr. Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist from the University of Antwerp and one of the researchers, commented on the findings: “Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic. However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that’s not necessarily true.”
PFAS or perfluoroalkyl substances are commonly used to provide products with resistance to water, heat, and stains, from outdoor clothing to non-stick cookware. Nonetheless, these chemicals raise concerns due to their potential harm to humans, wildlife, and the environment. PFAS degrade slowly and can persist for thousands of years, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
Health issues linked to PFAS exposure include reduced vaccine response, lower birth weights, thyroid problems, elevated cholesterol, liver and kidney damage, as well as various cancers. The most frequently identified PFAS in the study was perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a substance globally banned since 2020.
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Additionally, the study revealed the presence of “ultra-short chain” PFAS, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS), which are highly water-soluble and could potentially leach from straws into beverages.
Although PFAS concentrations detected were minimal and given that straws are typically used occasionally, the risk to human health is considered limited. Nevertheless, as PFAS can accumulate in the body over time, even small amounts contribute to an existing chemical burden.
Dr. Groffen emphasized, “The presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws shows they are not necessarily biodegradable. We did not detect any PFAS in stainless steel straws, so I would advise consumers to use this type of straw — or just avoid using straws at all.”
