Touting Eco-Friendly Paper Straws: Why Caution is Needed Due to Harmful Substances

With increased focus on environmental protection and sustainable consumption, many cafes and restaurants are opting for paper straws instead of plastic ones. However, recent research has revealed that paper straws may also contain harmful substances to both the environment and human health.

 

This study's findings were recently published in the international scientific journal 'Food Additives and Contaminants.'

 

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Antwerp in Belgium analyzed 39 environmentally-friendly straws available in Belgium. The results showed that 27 of these straws (69%) contained 'PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances),' a group of hazardous chemicals. Among them, 18 were paper straws. PFAS are referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their resistance to natural degradation and harmful properties to both humans and the environment. They are often found in cookware, cosmetics, carpets, sportswear, and more, and have been associated with issues such as infant birth defects, increased cholesterol, and thyroid disease. Moreover, studies have suggested an elevated risk of kidney and liver cancer. However, the extent to which exposure to PFAS affects human health is still under ongoing research.

 

The study identified a total of 18 different PFAS compounds. The most commonly detected compound was perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which has been banned since 2019 under the Stockholm Convention. While regulated domestically since 2020, production continues in some countries, leading to its presence in paper straws. The research team attributed the high prevalence of PFAS detection in paper straws to their water-resistant coatings, which often contain these chemicals.

 

Thimo Groffen, a professor of biology at the University of Antwerp and one of the researchers involved, stated, "Using paper straws is not a big risk, but accumulated PFAS in the body could interact with other chemicals and impact health. Hence, reducing usage is advisable."

 

This study's findings were recently published in the international scientific journal 'Food Additives and Contaminants.' Consumers using paper straws should be mindful of these results and exercise caution when choosing eco-friendly products.