After it was discovered that a large majority of paper straws contain a long-lasting and potentially hazardous chemical, they may be just as dangerous, if not worse, than their plastic counterparts.
A large study that examined a variety of straw brands discovered that 18 of the 20 brands of paper and bamboo straws (90%) contained Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS compounds are long-lasting and can be harmful to human health if they accumulate in the body.
According to studies, the chemicals can cause a variety of health problems, including decreased vaccine response, reduced birth weight, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol levels, liver damage, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer.
Plastic straws were banned in the UK in 2020 due to environmental concerns as the plastic would simply sit in landfills or end up in the ocean.
Their paper successors were tipped to be a more “eco-friendly” solution.
Notable items that include the toxic chemical include outdoor clothing and non-stick pans due to its ability to resist water, heat and stains.
The PFAS chemicals present in the study are believed to have originated from the water-repellent coating that lines the straws.
Dr Thimo Groffen, from the University of Antwerp, began the study after wanting to find out if PFAS were present in plant-based drinking straws sold in Belgium after they were discovered in straws sold in the US.
Following his findings, he advocated the use of steel straws but also advised to “avoid using straws at all”.
Dr Groffen said: “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.”