Recent research has cast doubt on the environmental safety of paper straws, which were previously touted as a more eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws.
Surprisingly, it turns out these supposedly green alternatives might contain chemicals detrimental to both the environment and human health, The Post Millennial reports.
The study discovered the presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in most paper and bamboo straws.
Dr. Thimo Groffen from the University of Antwerp commented, “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.”
He further noted, “However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that’s not necessarily true.”
These potentially hazardous chemicals, PFAS, are commonly utilized in the production of water-resistant items, ranging from food packaging to water-resistant fabrics.
Alarmingly, continuous exposure to these chemicals has been linked to increased blood pressure in expectant mothers, a higher risk of kidney cancer, and altered liver enzymes.
In an analysis of 39 brands of straws from five different materials—paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic—the study reported an unsettling discovery.
The chemicals “were found to be present in almost all types of straws, but primarily in those made from plant-based materials.”
Among the alternatives, stainless steel straws stood out as the most sustainable option due to their reusability and the absence of PFAS.
Several U.S. states such as California, New York, Washington DC, and Colorado have been pushing for plastic straw bans in recent years, promoting the use of paper alternatives in a bid to protect marine life.
Major corporations like Starbucks initiated the shift in response to concerns about plastic straws harming ocean wildlife.
However, this recent study might compel a reconsideration of such initiatives.
As it suggests, straws crafted from plant-based materials “are not necessarily a more sustainable alternative to plastic straws, because they can be considered as an additional source of PFAS exposure in humans and the environment.”
