Study finds paper straws contain PFAS chemicals

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Antwerp in Belgium has revealed that many paper straws contain PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’. The research, which is the first of its kind in Europe, analyzed 39 different brands of straws, including paper, bamboo, plastic, glass, and stainless steel.

The findings indicate that 90 percent of the paper straw brands tested contained PFAS. Bamboo straws showed presence in 80 percent of samples, plastic in 75 percent, and glass in 40 percent. In contrast, none of the stainless steel samples contained these substances.

PFAS are used for their water and oil-resistant properties. In paper straws, these chemicals are often found in the waterproof coatings applied to prevent the paper from dissolving in liquids. Scientists have expressed concern because these chemicals do not easily break down and can accumulate in both the environment and the human body.