Paper drinking straws can contain toxic resins that can be transferred into beverages. Alternatives could include glass or stainless steel.
Drinking from a paper straw feels unfamiliar to many. These straws quickly become soft and often have a cardboard-like aftertaste. But that’s not the only issue: Several studies have found that numerous paper straws contain carcinogenic substances that can migrate into food over extended use.
The background for this is that some manufacturers use epichlorohydrin resin to keep the straws stable in a beverage for as long as possible. This stabilizing agent can be contaminated with health-harming chloropropanols.
Chloropropanols degrade very slowly
Chloropropanols are difficult to break down. These chemicals are not only harmful to humans but also to the environment as they degrade slowly. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is aware of the residues of these substances and has established corresponding guidelines. According to the BfR, there are no health concerns based on current scientific knowledge as long as manufacturing guidelines are adhered to.
Straws made from materials like paper and bamboo are often promoted as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. However, the detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in these straws contradicts this claim. While small amounts of PFAS are not harmful, they can contribute to the existing chemical burden in the body.
Since paper is naturally neither grease nor water-resistant, it needs to be coated when used as food packaging. This coating often consists of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources like corn.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in many industries. They impart breathability and water resistance to textiles, make paper resistant to dirt, grease, and water, and enhance the properties of firefighting foam. PFAS are also used in some food packaging.
Many PFAS are persistent and barely degradable
Due to the stability and poor degradability of many PFAS, they are referred to as “forever chemicals.” They accumulate in the environment and are associated with various health issues, including reduced birth weight in newborns, thyroid diseases, elevated cholesterol levels, liver damage, as well as kidney and testicular cancer.
Some PFAS have already been largely banned due to their perceived danger. “Of the few well-studied PFAS, most are classified as medium to highly toxic, especially concerning child development,” says the European Environment Agency (EEA). Much is still unknown about the effects of most PFAS on humans and the environment. Many experts believe that at least some of them have harmful properties.
The most sustainable option appears to be reusable stainless steel straws, which do not contain PFAS and can be fully recycled.