In a scientific study conducted in Europe, the presence of synthetic and potentially toxic chemicals was observed in straws and straws. The report was published in the magazine ‘Food Additives and Contaminants’ and it is the first analysis of this type carried out in the old continent and only the second in the world.
The researchers, from Belgium, analyzed 39 brands of straws for the group of synthetic chemicals known as perfluoroalkylated (PFAS). The study found this component in most of the straws analyzed, especially those made of paper and bamboo.
PFAS are used to make everyday products, from clothing to non-stick pans. However, specialists warn that they are potentially harmful to people, wildlife and the environment. They break down very slowly over time and can persist for thousands of years in the environment, a property that has led to their being known as “chemicals forever.”
“Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than plastic straws,” said the researcher. Dr. Thimo Groffenenvironmental scientist at the University of Antwerpto the Europa Press agency. “However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that this is not necessarily true,” added the academic.
The “recyclable” straws, which were obtained primarily from supermarkets and fast food restaurants, were subjected to two rounds of testing for PFAS. Eighteen different PFAS types detected in total were found in most brands. This component is associated with a series of health problems in the population, such as a lower response to vaccines, thyroid diseases, increased cholesterol levels and liver damage.
According to the study, the concentrations of PFAS in the straws were low and, considering that most people tend to use them only occasionally, they pose a very limited risk to human health. However, PFASs can remain in the body for many years, and concentrations can increase over time.
The most commonly found PFA is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which has been banned worldwide since 2020. Also detected trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS)these acids are highly soluble in water so they could leach from straws into drinks. Today, an increasing number of countries have banned the sale of plastic products, such as drinking straws, and plant-based versions have become popular alternatives.
“Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful in and of themselves, can add to the chemical load already present in the body,” Groffen said, concluding that “the presence of these acids in paper straws demonstrates that they are not necessarily biodegradable. We did not detect any PFAS in stainless steel straws, so I would advise consumers to use these types of straws or simply avoid using them.”
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