עברית
Health and Nutrition
Paper Straws: An Unexpected Environmental Concern
Paper and bamboo straws, once seen as eco-friendly, may contain harmful chemicals posing environmental and health risks.
In recent years, paper straws have been marketed as a safe and environmentally friendly alternative. However, new research reveals that most tested straws contain harmful chemical compounds, predominantly in paper and bamboo varieties.
“Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often promoted as more sustainable and eco-friendly than plastic ones,” explained Dr. Timo Groffen, a study author and environmental scientist at the University of Antwerp. “Yet the presence of PFAS in these straws shows that this assumption may not be entirely accurate.”
In a study published in Food Additives & Contaminants, Belgian researchers examined 39 straw brands made from five materials: paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic, to test for the presence of PFAS.
PFAS are a group of around 9,000 chemical compounds used to make everyday products—such as clothing and kitchenware—resistant to moisture, heat, water, and stains. However, these substances can be harmful to humans, wildlife, and the environment. They degrade very slowly, can persist in the environment for thousands of years, and have been linked to several health concerns.
The study found that most tested brands contained PFAS, with varying compounds detected across materials. According to the findings, paper straws were the most likely to contain PFAS, with 90% of tested brands showing their presence. PFAS were also detected in 80% of bamboo straws, 75% of plastic straws, and 40% of glass straws. No PFAS were found in stainless steel straws.
The most commonly detected chemical was PFOA, a compound previously used in the production of Teflon and banned worldwide since 2020. The researchers also identified trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoromethane sulfonic acid—PFAS compounds that dissolve easily in water and may leach into beverages.
Dr. Groffen noted that the presence of PFAS in paper and bamboo straws suggests they are not truly biodegradable, recyclable, or eco-friendly. While PFAS levels found in the straws were generally moderate, the potential risk to human health increases with frequent use. Moreover, PFAS can remain in the body for many years, leading to gradual accumulation over time.
