To the dismay of environmentalists, plastic straws have been banned in the European Union since the beginning of 2021. In response, many people have turned to paper and bamboo straws as a more sustainable alternative. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Antwerp has revealed that these supposedly eco-friendly options may not be as safe as previously thought. The study found that toxic chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), were present in a significant number of paper and bamboo straws, as well as plastic straws. PFAS are a complex group of chemicals that are difficult to break down in the environment and can have negative health effects on humans.
Out of the 39 straws tested, nearly 70% were found to contain PFAS. Paper straws were the most contaminated, with 90% containing the chemicals, followed by bamboo straws at 80% and plastic straws at 75%. Even glass straws were not immune, with 40% containing PFAS. The only type of straw that was found to be free of these harmful substances was stainless steel straws. The most commonly detected PFAS chemical was perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been banned in the EU since mid-2020 but can still be present in products due to contaminated raw materials.
The presence of PFAS in straws can have negative health effects on humans, including weakened responses to vaccinations, increased cholesterol levels, and potential negative impacts on fetal development. In addition, adults may be at a higher risk for kidney and testicular cancer. From an ecological standpoint, the presence of PFAS in supposedly natural and biodegradable straws can compromise their biodegradability and have negative consequences for the environment.
Despite the widespread belief that paper and bamboo straws are more environmentally friendly than plastic straws, this study highlights the need for further research and scrutiny of supposedly eco-friendly products. As Thimo Groffen, the lead researcher of the study, notes, “Straws made from plant-based materials such as paper and bamboo are often marketed as more sustainable and environmentally friendly than those made from plastic. However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that this is not necessarily true.”
