Paper drinking straws may be harmful and may not be better for the environment than plastic versions, researchers warn
by Physicaque
Paper drinking straws may be harmful and may not be better for the environment than plastic versions, researchers warn
by Physicaque
8 comments
TL;DR It should not endanger your health but use steel straws if you want to be sure.
Here are the main bits from the article:
>Belgian researchers tested 39 brands of straws for the group of synthetic chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
>…They break down very slowly over time and can persist over thousands of years in the environment, a property that has led to them being known as **”forever chemicals.”**
>PFAS were found in the majority of the straws tested and were most common in those made from paper and bamboo.
>The paper straws were most likely to contain PFAS, with the chemicals detected in 18/20 (90%) of the brands tested. PFAS were also detected in 4/5 (80%) brands of bamboo straw, 3/4 (75%) of the plastic straw brands and 2/5 (40%) brands of glass straw. They were not detected in any of the five types of steel straw tested.
>The most commonly found PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been banned globally since 2020.
>Also detected were trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS), “ultra-short chain” PFAS which are highly water soluble and so might leach out of straws into drinks.
>**The PFAS concentrations were low**, and bearing in mind that most people tend to only use straws occasionally, **pose a limited risk to human health**. However, PFAS can remain in the body for many years and concentrations can build up over time.
>Dr. Groffen concludes, “The presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws shows they are not necessarily biodegradable. **We did not detect any PFAS in stainless steel straws**, so I would advise consumers to use this type of straw—or just avoid using straws at all.”
Geez we cant just have a win, can we?
Ffs
What about pasta straws? I remember seeing that as a thing, but just at a restaurant..
Just consume your zero-calorie soda directly from the two-liter bottle as you would normally.
Glad we banned those evil plastic straws and replaced them with more expensive straws that poison the user and the environment. Good job, EU.
just ban straws and drink from the cup like normal. anyone caught using straws should be executed in public or a small fine
“We unintentionally started handing out straws laced with chemicals that would last forever in an effort to be better to the planet.”