A widely read study reveals that the “plant-based” drinking straws pushed onto diners by eco-activists may actually be more harmful to both the environment and public health than their plastic counterparts.
According to research published in the journal Food Additives & Contaminants, the “plant-based straws” in question contain “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),” which the scientists say are “not necessarily biodegradable and that the use of such straws potentially contributes to human and environmental exposure of PFAS.”
Environmentalists call PFAS “forever chemicals” because they take a long time to break down. PFAS chemicals are a class of chemicals used to make products grease proof, water proof, stick-proof, and stain-resistant. According to Clean Water Action, they are added to a wide range of everyday products such as food packaging for pizza boxes, food wrappers, and take-out containers, non-stick pans, and even personal care products like dental floss, mascara, foundation, menstrual underwear.