Paper straws, often touted as a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic, may not be as environmentally friendly as previously believed, according to a new study published in the journal Food Additives & Contaminants.
Belgian researchers found that these so-called "green" utensils contain toxic substances known as PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl-based substances), making them potentially worse for the environment than plastic straws.
"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," said Thimo Groffen, Ph.D., study author and an environmental scientist at the University of Antwerp. "However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that's not necessarily true."
This research comes in the wake of initiatives by several US cities, including New York, to ban disposable plastic straws due to their long decomposition time and associated health risks. However, countries like Belgium and the UK have already embraced plant-based alternatives, believing them to be more environmentally conscious.
The study analyzed the PFAS concentrations in 39 brands of drinking straws made from various materials, including paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic. Surprisingly, paper straws contained the highest levels of PFAS, with 90% of the samples containing the chemicals.
Bamboo straws, another popular eco-friendly option, came in second with 80% containing PFAS, followed by 75% of plastic straws. Glass straws had a 40% contamination rate, while stainless steel straws showed no traces of PFAS.
The most prevalent PFAS found was perfluorooctanoic acid, a substance banned globally since 2020 but still manufactured in some countries. Trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, which easily dissolve in water, were also present, raising concerns about potential leaching into beverages.
"The presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws shows they are not necessarily biodegradable," warned Groffen. The study did not determine how these substances ended up in the straws, but their presence in every brand suggests they were intentionally added as a liquid repellant. Other potential sources of PFAS could be the soil used to grow the plant-based materials and the water used in their manufacturing.
While low concentrations of PFAS from using straws are unlikely to pose serious health risks, animal studies suggest that long-term exposure to these chemicals could lead to liver damage, weakened immune systems, underweight babies, and even infant death. However, the long-term effects on humans are still unknown, as the animal tests were conducted with higher levels of PFAS.
In light of these findings, Groffen recommends using stainless steel straws or avoiding straws altogether. Stainless steel straws showed no traces of PFAS, making them a potentially safer alternative.
This research challenges the notion that plant-based straws are the only eco-friendly option and raises concerns about the potential environmental impact of these supposedly sustainable alternatives.
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