(NaturalHealth365)  Over half a dozen nations, including France, Canada, and Guatemala, have banned plastic straws.  Disposable products are convenient, yet they damage the human body and the surrounding environment.

As detailed in a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Antwerp in Belgium and published in Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, there are alarming levels of toxins in drinking straws.  The toxins are even found in plastic straw alternatives dubbed “green,” meaning those allegedly environmentally friendly.

Eco-friendly straw substitutes aren’t as safe as governments claim

The alarming results of the green drinking straw study reveal that allegedly environmentally friendly substitutes for plastic straws, such as those made from bamboo and paper, have elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  PFAS are potentially harmful synthetic pollutants added to hundreds of everyday products since the 1950s.

The purpose of PFAS is to resist heat, oil, and water, helping preserve consumer products‘ integrity for both aesthetics and utility.  PFAS are harmful to humans, the environment, and animals, including wildlife.

The study analyzed the PFAS synthetic pollutant levels in 39 unique straw brands.  The “green” alternatives to conventional straws were made from diverse materials, including:

• Stainless steel
• Bamboo
• Glass
• Plastic
• Paper

The researchers used suspect screening and targeted methods to quantify the amount of PFAS in the green straw alternatives.  Only those made of stainless steel were free of PFAS.  To the surprise of many, PFAS were detected at greater frequencies in straws made with plant-based materials, including bamboo and paper.

The fact that PFAS are in straws made of plant material makes it clear they are not fully biodegradable.  It is quite possible that using green plant-based straws as substitutes for regular straws leads to just as much or even more PFAS exposure that damages both people and the environment.

The logic in pivoting to plastic straw substitutes is flawed

Some straw makers switched to plant-based alternatives to plastic straws in response to complaints and governmental pressure regarding the PFAS within plastic.  Unfortunately, plastic straw alternatives are toxic, except for stainless steel.  Paper straws break down quickly, making them frustrating to use more than once.  Efforts to strengthen paper straws ultimately made them difficult to recycle.

Considering the study results, the pivot to eco-friendly straws to promote health and environmental sustainability is ironic.  PFAS forever chemicals that cause a wide range of health problems ranging from cancer to obesity, thyroid disease, and liver damage were found in 27 of the 39 straws, including 18 of 20 paper varieties.

Other unexpected sources of PFAS exposure every consumer should know about

Aside from plastic straws and alternatives, PFAS are also found in many other consumer products.  Examples of additional consumer products with PFAS include:

• Packaging used for fast food
• Cosmetics
• Mattress pads
• Wall paint
• Sports bras
• Yoga pants
• Microwave popcorn bags
• Laundry and dish detergent
• Personal care products
• Clothing and gear that is water-resistant
• Cookware with non-stick coating
• Contaminated sources of drinking water
• Furniture and carpet with treatments for stain resistance

If you aren’t sure if a product you have in mind is contaminated with PFAS, conduct a quick internet search.  It will also help to write letters to lawmakers, encouraging them to push for additional regulation and research into the presence of PFAS in consumer products.

The one type of straw you can feel good about using

Simply put, if you insist on using a straw, opt for those of the stainless steel variety.  Stainless steel may be cool to the touch and lack a visual appeal, for some people.  But, ultimately, the stainless steel option is the sole plastic straw alternative without PFAS.

Moreover, stainless steel straws do not damage the environment as they do not degrade.  Simply wash your stainless steel straw after use, and you’ll never need a plastic or paper straw again.

Sources for this article include:

Tandfonline.com
Xatakaon.com