The push for a more sustainable way of living has birthed many “eco-friendly” products, but are they even good for us?
Researchers in Belgium decided to test nearly 40 brands of straws and their findings may shock you. The tests specifically looked for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the products, and these chemicals were found in a majority of the straws, but specifically in the paper and bamboo varieties.
These chemicals are found in a large number of products that we use every day, including non-stick pans and outdoor clothing, but they take thousands of years to break down naturally, which has resulted in them being dubbed “forever chemicals.” They are potentially harmful to both humans and wildlife, as well as the environment.
The straws tested were made up of a variety of substances, including paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel and plastic. A whopping 69% of the materials tested were positive for PFAS, and 18 unique PFAS were noted.
Daily Mail notes that the “most commonly found PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been banned globally since 2020.”
Additional chemicals referred to as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS) were also detected in the straws. These particular substances are known to be water-soluble, leading to concerns that they may leech out into beverages as the staws are used.
The good news, according to the researchers, is that the PFAS concentration is low in the products, and given how few paper straws a person uses, the risk posed to human health is quite low. However, the chemicals could remain in the body for many years, and repeated uses could build up the concentration.
“Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic,” wrote researcher Dr. Thimo Groffen. “However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that’s not necessarily true. Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful in themselves, can add to the chemical load already present in the body.”
The authors of the piece, which was published in the journal of Food Additives and Contaminants, recommend forgoing straws altogether or using stainless steel straws in times when that is not possible.
X users were not at all shocked to hear this news:
To be fair, you could just drink out of a glass like a grown up. Straws are for children.
— Andrew Kerr (@AndrewKerr1873) August 25, 2023
Glue and fiber stabilisers not good who knew??! Try solid bamboo or steal straws or learn to drink!!!
— gingerbear (@AnnieBentley90) August 24, 2023
♂️♂️ Like everything else, any solution they have is worse than the problem.
— Alberto CM (CMAstudios) (@ALeakOfMyMind) August 25, 2023
Another failed #ClimateScam “solution”
— Gracelyn (@Gracelyn72) August 25, 2023
In other words “we poisoned you”
— Roberta Manier (@robertalueckel) August 25, 2023
Starting to think the government doesn’t have my best interest at hand pic.twitter.com/euPLY9cjZ1
— generalbull (@generalbullpoo) August 25, 2023
That’s part of the agenda. Ask Gates. Reduce the population of the earth to save it.
— Red Blooded Mom ) (@redbloodedmom) August 25, 2023
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Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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