‘Ecological’ paper straws They are presented as the ideal alternative to plastic ones, as they maintain the same functions but produce waste that is much easier to recycle. However, a scientific study that has been made public recently has shown that these paper tubes contains potentially toxic chemicals (known PFAS), are also called ‘eternal chemicals’ due to their long stay in the environment. Everything indicates that these substances come from the waterproof coating of these elements.
In the first analysis of its kind in Europe (second in the world), Belgian researchers Tested 39 brands of straws for the presence of synthetic chemicals They are known as poly and perfluorinated substances (PFAS).
After their research they discovered PFAS in most of the pipettes tested, but turned out to be more common in those made from paper and bamboo, according to published research Food Additives and Contaminants.
PFAS plague
PFAS is used to make everyday products, from waterproof clothing to non-stick pans and canned goods. But they are potentially harmful to humans, wildlife and the environment. They decompose very slowly over time and can remain in the environment for thousands of years; this is a property that has made them known as ‘infinite chemicals’.
It has been associated with a number of health problems, including: decreased response to vaccines, low birth weight, thyroid disease, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, kidney cancer and testicular cancer.
“Spiders made from plant-based materials such as paper and bamboo are often advertised as being more sustainable and environmentally friendly than those made from plastic,” says environmental scientist Thimo Goffen of the University of Antwerp. this work. “But the presence of PFAS in these pipettes means that this is not necessarily true.”
A growing number of countries, including the UK and Belgium, have banned the sale of single-use plastic products, including straws, and plant-based versions have become popular alternatives.
A recent study PFAS already found in plant-based straws in the US. Professor Goffen and his colleagues wanted to know if the same was true for those sold in Belgium. To find out, the research team purchased 39 different brands of straws made from five materials: paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic.
Straws obtained primarily from grocery stores, supermarkets and fast food restaurants were then subjected to two rounds of testing for PFAS. Most brands (27 of 39 brands, 69%) contained PFAS, and a total of 18 different PFASs were detected.
Paper ones, containing the most PFAS
Paper straws were more likely to contain PFAS, and indeed these chemical compounds Detected in 18 (90%) of the 20 brands analyzed. PFAS was also detected in 4 (80%) of 5 bamboo pipette brands, 3 (75%) of 4 plastic pipette brands, and 2 (40%) of 5 glass pipette brands. In contrast, none of the five types of steel rods tested were found.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the most common PFAS, has been banned worldwide since 2020.
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS), ‘ultra-short chain’ PFASs that are highly soluble in water and can therefore leach from straws into beverages, were also detected.
PFAS concentrations were low and given that most people tend to use straws only occasionally, they pose limited risks to human health. But, PFAS can remain in the body for many years and its concentrations may increase over time.
“Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful on its own, can increase the chemical load already in the body,” says Goffen.
Coating to make them waterproof
Scientists don’t know if manufacturers add PFAS to straws to make them waterproof or if they are the result of contamination. Potential sources of contamination also include the soil where plant materials are grown and the water used in the production process.
However, the presence of chemicals in almost all brands of paper straws, it is possible that in some cases they were used as a water-repellent coatingresearchers say.
The study remained unexamined whether PFAS could leach from pipettes into liquids.
Goffen concludes: “The presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws indicates that they are not necessarily biodegradable. We did not detect any PFAS in stainless steel straws, so I would advise consumers to use such straws or completely avoid the use of straws”.
Reference work: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19440049.2023.2240908
…….
Contact address of the environment department: [email protected]