A Belgian study shows that replacing plastic straws with vegetable straws may not be such a good idea for the environment and the health of consumers. The cause: the presence of PFAS pollutants.
The only good reason that can make us accept the use of cardboard straws today is the environment (because we must recognize that putting them in the mouth is quite unpleasant). However, according to a Belgian study published in the journal Food Additives and Contaminants August 24, “vegetable straws are not necessarily biodegradable and the use of such straws potentially contributes to human exposure and environmental PFAS“. PFAS for “poly- and PerFluorAalkyl Substances” in English or “poly-et perfluoroalkyles” in French are pollutants synthetics known to be potentially harmful for wildlife, people and the environment. They are used in straws for make it more water-repellent, that is to say more impermeable. By drinking through such straws, humans can ingest a quantity of PFAS.
Steel straws, the best alternative?
In their study, the researchers looked at the concentrations of 29 PFAS In 39 different brands of straws, made from five materials: cardboard (or paper), bamboo, glass, stainless steel and plastic. Result : “PFAS were present in almost all types of straws,exception of steel ones stainless. PFAS have been more frequently detected in materials of plant origin, such as paper and bamboo.” THE concentrations were higher in paper straws. According to the authors, it is difficult to know what part of PFAS could have been intentionally added to the product or be naturally present. THE plants grown on contaminated soil can absorb PFAS which can then end up in the straws made from these plants.
Not so eco-friendly straws
At any rate, “These ‘eco-friendly’ vegetable straws are not necessarily a more sustainable alternative to plastic straws” because all materials of vegetable origin “especially those made of paper, supposed to be recyclable products, will most likely end up in landfills or be incinerated, releasing PFAS into the environment“. The most sustainable alternative thus seems to be the steel straws stainless steel, which can be reusedborn do not contain PFAS and can be fully recycled. Researchers are now hoping for new research to assess the factors promoting the migration of PFAS in food and beverages, as well as the associated human risks.