Belgian researchers revealed that paper straws may contain harmful chemicals and be unsustainable. The analysis found PFAS in 69% of 39 straw brands. With 40% glass, 75% plastic, and 80% bamboo straw brands, paper straws were the most likely source of PFAS. The study underlines the health dangers of PFAS, which may stay in the environment for thousands of years….
If you converted from plastic to paper straws, read this recent research. Recently, paper straws were found to contain harmful chemicals and be ecologically unfriendly.
The first European and only global examination of 39 straw brands for poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was conducted by Belgian researchers.
The Food Additives and Contaminants investigation found PFAS in 18 brands, or 69%.
PFAS was identified in 90% of paper straw brands, making them the likely source. Additionally, 40% of glass straw brands, 75% of plastic straw brands, and 80% of bamboo straw brands contained PFAS.
PFAS was found in none of the five steel straws tested.
The report comes as India, the UK, and Belgium have banned single-use plastics like drinking straws while plant-based alternatives have grown in favor.
According to University of Antwerp environmental scientist Dr. Thimo Groffen, “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.”
This isn’t always the case because these straws contain PFAS.
PFAS makes non-stick cookware and outdoor clothing stain, heat, and water-resistant. However, they may harm humans, animals, and the environment. Their slow degradation and tens of thousands of years in the environment make them “forever chemicals.”
Lower vaccine reactions, low birth weight, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, liver damage, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer have been associated to them.
The research found that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), banned worldwide since 2020, was the most common PFAS.
Also identified were “ultra-short chain” PFAS trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS), which might leak into beverages via straws due to their high water solubility.
Since most people rarely use straws and PFAS levels are minimal, there is little health risk. But PFAS levels can stay in the body for years and rise.
Dr. Groffen said “small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful, can add to the chemical load already present in the body.”
PFAS in paper and bamboo straws shows they are not biodegradable. Dr. Groffen advised customers to use stainless steel straws or quit using straws because they contain no PFAS.
Conclusion:-
Belgian researchers revealed that paper straws may contain harmful chemicals and be unsustainable. 69% of 39 straw brands tested positive for poly and perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS). PFAS was most likely detected in paper straws, which contained 90% of the chemicals. Glass straw brands have 40% PFAS, plastic straw brands 75%, and bamboo straw brands 80%. Steel straws were PFAS-free. The study comes as India, the UK, and Belgium ban single-use plastics and plant-based alternatives gain favor. PFAS are promoted as eco-friendly yet can harm humans, animals, and the environment. The research found that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), banned worldwide since 2020, was the most common PFAS. The body may store and grow PFAS amounts for years. Customers should use stainless steel straws or not use them, according to the study.
