Caution: Health and Environmental Risks Associated With Paper Drinking Straws

A scientific investigation has disclosed that straws marketed as environmentally friendly, specifically those made from paper and bamboo, may possess unsafe levels of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals, aimed to augment water and stain resistance in various items, are persistent environmental contaminants and are associated with numerous health complications. According to the study, 69% of the examined straw brands included these problematic chemicals, prompting a call for the reevaluation of straw material choices, including the consideration of stainless steel alternatives.

Long-lasting chemicals, referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their environmental persistence, were detected in 18 out of the 20 scrutinized paper straw brands.

The groundbreaking European study, second of its kind globally, conducted by Belgian researchers, analyzed 39 different straw brands for the presence of PFAS.

Table of Contents

PFAS: Functionalities and Hazards

PFAS chemicals are ubiquitous in everyday items, including water-resistant clothing and non-stick kitchenware. While useful, they pose potential risks to human health, wildlife, and the overall environment. These substances degrade slowly and can endure for millennia in the environment.

Health issues potentially related to PFAS exposure include decreased efficacy of vaccines, reduced birth weight, thyroid disorders, elevated cholesterol levels, liver impairment, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer.

Straw Composition and Ecological Impact

Dr. Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist at the University of Antwerp and a contributor to the study, noted that plant-based straws like paper and bamboo are frequently promoted as more sustainable alternatives to plastic straws. Nevertheless, the presence of PFAS challenges this claim.

In light of increasing global bans on single-use plastics, including straws, alternatives made from plant-based materials have gained prominence.

Research Approach and Results

Initiated by similar findings in the United States, Dr. Groffen and his team aimed to explore whether the same risks existed in Belgium’s market. To that end, they procured 39 different straw brands made from five diverse materials—paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic—and subjected them to two separate tests for PFAS.

Out of the brands analyzed, 27 out of 39 (69%) contained PFAS. Among paper straws, 90% contained these chemicals, while 80% of bamboo straws, 75% of plastic straws, and 40% of glass straws also tested positive. Stainless steel straws were found to be free from PFAS.

The globally banned PFAS chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), was among the detected chemicals. Other detected chemicals include highly water-soluble “ultra-short chain” PFAS, which could potentially leach into beverages.

Though PFAS concentrations were found to be low and posed a limited immediate health risk, their ability to accumulate in the body over time is a concern.

Conclusive Remarks and Guidelines

It remains unclear whether PFAS were intentionally added by manufacturers or were contaminants. The pervasive presence of these chemicals in paper straws indicates that they are likely used as water-repellent coatings in some instances.

Dr. Groffen recommends using stainless steel straws or forgoing the use of straws altogether as these were found to be free of PFAS.

Reference: “Assessment of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in commercially available drinking straws using targeted and suspect screening approaches” by Pauline Boisacq, Maarten De Keuster, Els Prinsen, Yunsun Jeong, Lieven Bervoets, Marcel Eens, Adrian Covaci, Tim Willems and Thimo Groffen, published on August 24, 2023, in the peer-reviewed journal Food Additives & Contaminants. DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2023.2240908

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PFAS chemicals in eco-friendly straws

What is the main finding of the scientific study on “eco-friendly” straws?

The study reveals that paper and bamboo straws, often marketed as environmentally friendly, may contain hazardous PFAS chemicals. These chemicals pose potential risks to human health and are not as biodegradable as previously thought, thereby questioning their environmental sustainability.

What are PFAS chemicals and why are they a concern?

PFAS stands for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. They are a group of synthetic chemicals used for water, heat, and stain resistance. The concern lies in their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including liver damage, thyroid disease, and various types of cancer.

Are these chemicals found in all types of straws?

No, the chemicals were most commonly found in paper and bamboo straws. Stainless steel straws were found to be free from PFAS.

How reliable is this study?

The study was conducted by Belgian researchers and is the first of its kind in Europe, and only the second globally. It was published in the peer-reviewed journal Food Additives & Contaminants, which lends it considerable credibility.

What countries have banned the use of single-use plastic straws?

Countries including the UK and Belgium have implemented bans on the sale of single-use plastic straws, prompting a rise in the popularity of alternative materials such as paper and bamboo.

What are the recommended alternatives to paper and bamboo straws?

The study recommends using stainless steel straws, which were found to be free of PFAS, or avoiding the use of straws altogether.

What are the health implications of using straws containing PFAS?

While the PFAS concentrations in straws are generally low, their ability to accumulate in the human body over time is concerning. Health risks associated with PFAS include lowered response to vaccines, thyroid issues, and even certain types of cancer.

Are PFAS intentionally added to these straws?

The study does not definitively conclude whether PFAS were intentionally added for waterproofing or were contaminants. However, their widespread presence in paper straws suggests that they are likely used for water-resistant coating in some instances.