Paper Straws Contain More Dangerous Forever Chemicals and Their Plastic Counterparts, Research Shows : The Hearty Soul

Recent research has shown that paper straws, often hailed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic ones, may not be as green as we think. Belgian researchers tested 39 brands of straws, including paper, plastic, bamboo, glass, and stainless steel, and found that the majority of paper straws contained harmful synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals, called PFAS, are man-made substances that do not break down in the environment or in our bodies. They are also found in plastic, bamboo, and even glass straws, though paper straws had the highest concentration. While the health effects of PFAS exposure are still being studied, researchers warn that the presence of these chemicals raises doubts about the sustainability of paper straws. In light of these findings, using stainless steel straws or forgoing straws altogether may be a safer choice.