Paper Straws Are Often Touted as Alternative to Plastic, but They're Toxic
Recent research indicates that paper straws contain harmful PFAS chemicals linked to health issues. Safer alternatives like stainless steel and glass straws are recommended, prompting consumers to reconsider their choices.
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Recent research has raised concerns about the safety of paper straws, which were initially considered a sustainable alternative to plastic straws. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Antwerp found that paper straws contain high levels of perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. These substances are linked to various health issues, including liver damage, thyroid disease, and cancer. The study analyzed 39 brands of straws made from different materials and discovered that 18 out of 20 paper straw brands tested positive for PFAS. The presence of these chemicals may be due to their accidental inclusion during manufacturing or as a waterproof coating to enhance durability. While stainless steel and glass straws are recommended as safer alternatives, paper straws, despite their eco-friendly marketing, may not be a viable solution to plastic waste due to their toxic content. The findings suggest a need for consumers to reconsider their choices regarding straws and explore more sustainable options.
- Paper straws contain high levels of harmful PFAS chemicals.
- PFAS are linked to serious health issues and are persistent in the environment.
- Stainless steel and glass straws are safer alternatives to paper straws.
- The presence of PFAS in paper straws may be due to manufacturing processes.
- Consumers are encouraged to rethink their use of paper straws as an eco-friendly option.
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16 commentsThis was just virtue signaling so people could feel better about themselves.
Maybe we should treat straws as a wonderful accessibility product that most people shouldn’t use regularly.
If you’ve ever bought a Starbucks iced drink you know that really the only beverage the company sells that needs a straw is a Frappuccino. All those years of selling straws and all Starbucks needed to do was put a properly shaped/size hole on the lid.
Some of them are like 90% as good as a regular plastic straws without any of the danger and cleaning annoyance of a metal straw.
Stainless Steel Straw - Mass: 15g - Energy: 900 KJ per straw (60GJ per ton of stainless) - Composition: 18% Chromium (Cr) 8% Nickel (Ni) 74% Iron (Fe) - Note: High chromium content, which can be hazardous
Plastic Straw - Mass: 0.5g - Energy: 10 kJ (25MJ/kg for HDPE)
90 reuses needed to break even. Now include the energy for washing and the chance of losing the stainless one. Plastic looks like a winner here.
I truly have not been this confused by the comments on any HN post before and I've been reading this place almost daily for years. Is it completely the default to drink from a straw in the US?
Let's say you're at a business lunch. People drink from straws? I just can't picture it. Or is it because people only order water or alcoholic drinks at such lunches?
Do "fancy" places never serve any carbonated drinks whatsoever? Including something like "artisanal kombucha" or whatever they can ask a premium for? If they do, then are those always served with straws?
I'm seeing reasons like hygiene, lipstick and so on. But I know that even in the US, plenty of people drink wine, and they definitely don't do so with a straw. And places serving wine must have a decent overlap with women wearing lipstick, statistically.
It smells like a premeditated astroturf-driven regulatory capture campaign.
If only there was a way to drink without using a straw
Hell, no. All it takes is one trip on something walking out of the coffee shop, using a straw because of sensitive teeth, and I’m possibly dead or paralyzed.
Paralyzed because of a stainless steel straw - all it takes is one time and the public will correctly reject the concept forever.
Related
Coffee, eggs and white rice linked to higher levels of PFAS in humans
A study links PFAS levels in humans to coffee, eggs, white rice, seafood, and red meat consumption. PFAS are persistent chemicals associated with health risks. Advocates urge environmental protection and varied diets for lower PFAS exposure.
Toxic Compounds in Everyday Products Are Disrupting Vital Human Proteins
Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso found nanoplastics and PFAS can alter proteins crucial for human development, potentially causing health issues. The study emphasizes the need for safer materials and informs environmental policies.
High Levels of PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' Found in Food and Drink Products – Study
A study on Science Direct found high PFAS levels in food like white rice, eggs, red meat, seafood, and coffee. PFAS in blood and breast milk pose health risks. Dietary changes are advised to reduce exposure. US and EU regulate PFAS in food packaging.
PFAS widely added to US pesticides despite EPA denial, study finds
A study found toxic PFAS chemicals in US pesticides, contradicting EPA claims. PFAS levels doubled in a decade, linked to health risks. EPA accused of hiding data. Actual PFAS presence may exceed reported levels. Companies not required to disclose PFAS use. EPA silent on findings.
What's the deal with PFAS, a.k.a. 'forever chemicals'?
PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," pose serious health risks and persist in the environment. The EPA has set new drinking water limits, while experts call for stronger regulations and consumer awareness.