00s ecological paper straws have been marketed as a greener alternative to plastic, offering the same utility while producing waste easier to recycle. Yet a recent scientific study made public questions this claim by showing that these paper tubes can contain potentially harmful PFAS chemicals, often labeled eternally persistent due to their long life in the environment. The coatings used to waterproof these straws are implicated as the likely source of these substances.
In what is described as a first in Europe and a second globally, Belgian researchers tested 39 straw brands for synthetic chemical residues. The focus was on poly and perfluorinated substances, known as PFAS, which have been widely studied for their environmental persistence and potential health impacts.
Their findings indicated PFAS in most of the tested pipettes, with a higher incidence among those made from paper and bamboo. This aligns with reports published in the journal Food Additives and Contaminants, which note the broader presence of PFAS in plant-based straws compared to alternatives.
PFAS Plague
PFAS are used in a wide array of everyday products, from waterproof clothing to non-stick cookware and canned foods. They persist in the environment for thousands of years and can accumulate in living beings, leading to what some scientists call infinite chemicals. The potential health consequences span a range from weakened immune response to vaccines, lower birth weight, thyroid disorders, higher cholesterol, liver and kidney concerns, and certain cancers.
Environmental scientist Thimo Goffen of the University of Antwerp notes that plant-based straws are often pitched as more sustainable than plastic. He cautions that the PFAS detected in these pipettes challenges that assumption and suggests consumers consider the tradeoffs involved.
Countries including the United Kingdom and Belgium have moved to ban single-use plastics, with plant-based alternatives gaining popularity. A recent study also identified PFAS in plant-based straws sold in the United States. To examine this further, researchers purchased 39 brands of straws made from five materials: paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic, and sourced them from grocery stores, supermarkets, and fast food venues.
Two rounds of testing revealed PFAS in most brands 27 of 39, amounting to 69 percent, with up to 18 different PFAS detected across samples.
Paper Straws Harbor More PFAS
Paper straws showed the highest likelihood of PFAS presence, appearing in 18 of 20 brands studied (90 percent). PFAS was detected in four of five bamboo straws (80 percent), in three of four plastic straws (75 percent), and in two of five glass straws (40 percent). None of the five steel straws contained PFAS.
Perfluorooctanoic acid, commonly abbreviated PFOA, has been banned worldwide since 2020. Other ultra-short PFAS, including trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, were also detected and are highly soluble in water, increasing the chance of leaching into beverages.
PFAS concentrations were generally low, and given that most people use straws infrequently, personal health risks appear limited. Nonetheless, PFAS can remain in the human body for years and may accumulate over time, particularly with repeated exposure.
As one expert puts it, small PFAS amounts can add to the overall chemical load already present in the body.
Waterproof Coatings and Contamination
It remains unclear whether manufacturers add PFAS to straws for waterproofing or if contamination arises from growing soil or production water. Yet the near-universal presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws suggests water-repellent coatings could be a contributing factor in some cases.
Whether PFAS can migrate from the straw into liquids was not fully explored in the study. Goffen concludes that PFAS in paper and bamboo straws challenges the assumption of their complete biodegradability. No PFAS were detected in stainless steel straws, prompting advice to opt for stainless steel or avoid straw use altogether.
Reference work: Tandfonline study published in 2023. The study highlights ongoing concerns about PFAS in consumer products and the need for safer alternatives in materials used for single-use items.
Additional notes underline the evolving regulatory landscape and the push toward safer, more durable options for beverage consumption, with ongoing research to clarify exposure pathways and long-term health implications.