Groffen noted that consumers may be less concerned about paper straws compared to plastics. “This is an avoidable source of chemical exposure, and while straws themselves are unlikely to be highly dangerous, PFAS can accumulate in the body. People should minimize their exposure to these substances as much as possible,” he advised.
PFAS chemicals are commonly found in various types of plastics, including food packaging, cosmetics, carpets, furniture, and textiles such as raincoats and activewear. Dubbed forever chemicals, they degrade extremely slowly, persisting in the air, water, and soil almost indefinitely. PFAS can also leach from landfills into water and soil, posing toxic risks to animals, including liver damage and reproductive issues.
Despite these concerns, Groffen maintains that plant-based straws remain a more environmentally friendly option than plastic ones.
Plastic straws are non-recyclable and often end up in landfills, incinerators, or as litter contaminating oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams. Because plastic takes up to 200 years to break down, it poses a long-term threat to marine life.
Over the past five years, several US states, including California, Colorado, New York, and Oregon, have banned plastic straws in restaurants. Major chains like Starbucks have also phased them out, though customers can still request one if needed.
Ultimately, researchers suggest that the best alternative is stainless steel straws—they are reusable, PFAS-free, and fully recyclable. However, stainless steel straws are more expensive than other options and are not typically given out for free.
A more practical and sustainable choice, they argue, is simply not using a straw at all, which eliminates both chemical and environmental concerns at the source.