Aug 25, 2023 20:00:00

Research results that paper / bamboo straws contain more ``eternal chemicals'' than plastic straws

Perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), which are resistant to heat and chemicals used in frying pan coatings and fast food wrapping paper, are called ``eternal chemicals'' because they remain in the environment for an extremely long time. There are concerns about the adverse effects on health due to handling. A new study found that paper and bamboo straws, which are promoted under the guise of being environmentally friendly, contain more PFAS than plastic straws.

Full article: Assessment of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in commercially available drinking straws using targeted and suspect screening approaches
https://doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2023.2240908

Paper and bamboo straws contain PFAS chemicals, study finds
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/paper-bamboo-straws-contain-pfas-forever-chemicals-rcna101614

In recent years, paper and bamboo straws have been increasingly introduced into the food industry as alternatives to plastic, and PFAS are sometimes added to these straws to improve their water repellency. Pauline Boissac of the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and her colleagues examined 39 different brands of straws made of paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic distributed in Belgium and investigated the PFAS concentration of each straw. .

As a result of the survey, it was revealed that PFAS is present in almost all straws except those made of stainless steel. Among them, one type of paper straw had the highest PFAS concentration, with a lower limit of quantification (LOQ) of 7.15 ng/g, and the ratio of PFAS-rich paper straws was also the highest.

PFAS exposure is thought to be associated with increased risk of low birth weight, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, kidney and liver cancer, but what levels of exposure matter? I don't know

'We don't know if the manufacturer intentionally added PFAS as a waterproof coating,' Timo Grofen, one of the co-authors of the study, said. It is possible that the bamboo straws were contaminated with trace amounts of PFAS because the plants were grown in soil that was not so clean.'

In this study, it was not investigated whether PFAS is eluted from the straw into the beverage, or whether the use of straws leads to the intake of PFAS. It cannot be said that it leads to PFAS intake.

``PFAS was found in almost all types of straws, but it was found that they were mainly found in those made from plant-based materials. Plant-based straws are not necessarily a sustainable alternative to plastic straws, as they can introduce new sources of PFAS exposure in humans and the environment.The most sustainable alternatives are reusable. It seems to be a stainless steel straw that does not contain PFAS and is completely recyclable.' However, some researchers believe that it is not realistic for stainless steel straws to be widely adopted. is showing.