Paper straws are not so eco-friendly?

In a pioneering European analysis, Belgian researchers have studied the prevalence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals, in a range of supposedly eco-friendly plant-based straws. According to the study published in the peer-reviewed journal Food Additives and Contaminants, PFAS were detected in a significant number of the straws, particularly in those made from paper and bamboo. The research challenges the assumption that these alternatives are safer and more sustainable, raising questions about the potential health risks associated with their use.

What are PFAS?

PFAS chemicals are commonly used to confer water, heat, and stain resistance to various everyday products, ranging from outdoor gear to non-stick cookware. However, their potential harm to humans and the environment is a growing concern. Due to their slow degradation rate, they are often called “forever chemicals” since they can persist in the environment for thousands of years. These substances have been associated with numerous health issues, including disruptions in vaccine responses, thyroid problems, lower birth weights, elevated cholesterol levels, and even various forms of cancer like kidney and testicular cancer.

What is the study revealed?

The study revealed that straws made from supposedly eco-friendly materials like paper and bamboo, often marketed as more sustainable alternatives to plastic straws, were found to contain PFAS. Dr. Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist from the University of Antwerp involved in the research, noted that the presence of PFAS in such straws challenges their supposed environmental benefits.

Several countries, including the UK and Belgium, have implemented bans on single-use plastic items like drinking straws, leading to the popularity of plant-based alternatives. A recent study in the US also found PFAS in plant-based straws. To investigate the situation in Belgium, Dr. Groffen and his team purchased 39 different straw brands made from paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic.

After undergoing two rounds of testing for PFAS, the study found that most brands (27 out of 39, or 69%) contained these chemicals. In total, 18 different PFAS were detected. Among the materials, paper straws had the highest occurrence of PFAS, with 18 out of 20 brands (90%) containing the chemicals. PFAS were also found in 80% of bamboo straw brands, 75% of plastic straw brands, and 40% of glass straw brands. However, none were detected in any of the tested stainless steel straws.

The study determined that the most commonly found PFAS chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been globally banned since 2020. Other detected substances included trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS), which are categorized as “ultra-short chain” PFAS and are highly soluble in water, potentially leaching into beverages.

Though the concentrations of PFAS were low, the cumulative exposure to these chemicals over time, given their slow elimination from the body, raises concerns. Dr. Groffen noted that while small amounts of PFAS might not be immediately harmful, they could increase the body’s chemical burden over the long term.

The study did not explore whether PFAS would migrate from the straws into liquids, leaving questions about potential human exposure. The origin of the PFAS in the straws—whether they were intentionally added by manufacturers for waterproofing or resulted from contamination during production—also remains uncertain. Potential sources of contamination include the soil where plant-based materials were cultivated and the water used in the manufacturing process.

The ubiquity of PFAS in nearly all brands of paper straws suggests that some manufacturers might be using these chemicals as water-repellent coatings. In light of this, Dr. Groffen advised consumers to opt for stainless steel straws or even consider forgoing straws altogether, as these were found to be free of PFAS.

In essence, the Belgian study sheds light on the prevalence of PFAS in various straw materials, challenging assumptions about the sustainability and eco-friendliness of plant-based straws. It underscores the need to carefully consider materials used in eco-friendly alternatives to ensure they genuinely meet environmental and health standards.