‘Eco-friendly’ paper straws, plastic straws both found to contain forever chemicals

A study of various types of straws found most paper, plastic and bamboo straws sampled contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals. These chemicals got their nickname because they linger almost permanently in air, water and soil.

Researchers looked at 39 brands of straws made of plastic, paper, bamboo, glass and stainless steel. The results, broken down by type of straw, was as follows:

• PFAS were detected in 18 out of 20 paper straw brands.
• PFAS were detected in four out of five bamboo straw brands.
• PFAS were detected in three out of four plastic straw brands.
• PFAS were detected in two out of five glass straw brands.
• No PFAS were detected in five stainless steel straw brands.

“PFAS were found to be present in almost all types of straws, but primarily in those made from plant-based materials. These ‘eco-friendly’ plant-based straws are not necessarily a more sustainable alternative to plastic straws, because they can be considered as an additional source of PFAS exposure in humans and the environment,” the authors of the study wrote in their conclusion. “The most sustainable alternative seems to be stainless-steel straws, which can be reused, do not contain PFAS and can be fully recycled.”

Previous research has detected forever chemicals in paper and other plant-based straws, among many other types of cookware and packaging. PFAS are frequently found in food wrappers, cosmetics, carpet, furniture and textiles such as raincoats or workout clothes.

Exposure to PFAS can be associated with low birth weight, high cholesterol, thyroid disease and an increased risk of kidney and liver cancers. Researchers have not yet determined which levels of exposure are problematic.

In March of 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed what would be the first national drinking water standard for forever chemicals. Under the proposal, water systems would have to monitor for six different chemicals, notify the public about PFAS levels and work to reduce them if levels go above the standard allowed.