TRENTON, NJ – A recent investigation into the environmental and health impacts of drinking straws has turned the conversation on its head, challenging the notion that paper straws are a more benign alternative to plastic. Published in the journal Food Additives & Contaminants, a study led by environmental scientist Dr. Thimo Groffen from the University of Antwerp has revealed that paper straws can harbor significant levels of potentially harmful chemicals.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has instituted a plastic straw ban in an environmental protection effort, however, a study claims chemicals in the ink released by those new paper straws could slowly poison your body.
The research, which analyzed 39 brands of straws made from various materials including paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic, found that 90% of paper straws contained long-lasting and potentially toxic chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals” due to their persistent nature in the environment. In comparison, 75% of plastic straws and 80% of bamboo straws tested positive for these substances, with glass straws at 40% and no PFAS detected in stainless steel straws.
PFAS are notorious for their resistance to degradation, potentially lasting thousands of years in the environment. These chemicals, which are used in products like non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to make them repel water and stains, have been linked to various health issues including lower response to vaccines, thyroid disease, increased cholesterol levels, liver damage, and certain cancers.
Dr. Groffen highlighted the irony of the situation, stating, “Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic. However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that’s not necessarily true.”
The study suggests that these chemicals might be introduced into paper straws either as a deliberate water-repellent coating or through contamination in the manufacturing process. Despite the presence of PFAS, the concentrations in straws are generally low, and given their sporadic use, the immediate health risks are limited.
However, the cumulative effect over time could be concerning as these chemicals can accumulate in the body.
This revelation comes at a time when many countries, including the UK, Belgium, and parts of the U.S., have banned single-use plastic items, pushing consumers towards alternatives like paper straws under the assumption of environmental benefit. The study raises questions about the actual environmental footprint of these alternatives and their safety for daily use.
Environmentalists and health experts are now calling for further research into the leaching potential of PFAS from straws into beverages and a reevaluation of what constitutes an eco-friendly product. In the meantime, the study recommends switching to stainless steel straws, which were found free of PFAS, or avoiding straw use altogether where possible.
This new data forces a reconsideration of consumer choices and policy decisions regarding single-use plastics and their alternatives, highlighting the complexity of achieving genuine sustainability in everyday products.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that can have a number of health effects on humans. These effects include:
- Cancer: PFAS can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as kidney, testicular, and prostate cancers.
- Immune system: PFAS can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections.
- Thyroid disease: PFAS can alter thyroid hormones and potentially contribute to thyroid auto-immunity.
- Reproductive effects: PFAS can cause fertility issues and increase the risk of preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
- Developmental effects: PFAS can cause developmental delays in children, such as low birth weight, accelerated puberty, and bone variations.
- Cholesterol: PFAS can increase cholesterol levels.
- Liver damage: PFAS can cause liver damage.
- Hormones: PFAS can interfere with the body’s natural hormones.
- Metabolism: PFAS can alter metabolism and body weight regulation.
- Vaccine response: PFAS can decrease how well the body responds to vaccines.
- Obesity: PFAS can increase the risk of obesity.