Recent Study Find Paper Straws May Contain Toxic Forever Chemicals

Paper straws have been marketed as the eco-friendly answer to plastic. But a peer-reviewed study out of Belgium complicated that story: researchers found that most paper straws they tested contained PFAS, the group of synthetic “forever chemicals” linked to a range of health concerns. If you switched to paper to do the right thing, that’s frustrating news. Here’s what the research actually says, in measured terms, and how to sip reusably without trading one problem for another.

What the study found

Researchers at the University of Antwerp tested 39 brands of drinking straws made from five materials, paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, and plastic, and screened them for PFAS. Their results were published in 2023 in the journal Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A. PFAS turned up in 27 of the 39 brands overall, with 18 different PFAS compounds detected. The pattern by material was striking:

The most common compound was perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a long-chain PFAS that is already banned or restricted in many regions. The researchers believe it comes from a water-repellent coating applied to help the straws hold up in liquid. You can read more in the coverage from NBC News and ScienceDaily.

Keeping this in perspective

It’s worth staying measured here. The concentrations detected were low, and the researchers noted that the amounts found were unlikely to pose a serious risk to most people who use a straw occasionally. The reason PFAS get attention anyway is that they are persistent: they don’t break down easily, and they can accumulate in the body and the environment over time. So the concern is less about any single straw and more about the many small exposures adding up, from water, food packaging, and countless consumer products. A paper straw isn’t a medical emergency, but it also isn’t the clean-conscience choice it’s often sold as.

What are PFAS, or “forever chemicals”?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a family of thousands of human-made chemicals that includes PFOA and PFOS. They’re built around an exceptionally strong bond between carbon and fluorine atoms, which is exactly what makes them so useful, and so stubborn. That same durability lets them repel water and grease in everything from nonstick pans to fast-food wrappers, and it’s why they earned the “forever chemicals” nickname. According to the U.S. EPA, they break down very slowly and can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time.

Why PFAS raise concern

Research into PFAS is still developing, but the EPA and other health agencies point to several reasons for caution:

• They persist. Once released, PFAS can linger for a very long time in soil and water.
• They accumulate. Some PFAS build up in living organisms, so levels can concentrate up the food chain.
• They spread widely. PFAS have been detected in drinking water, wildlife, and even remote regions like the Arctic.
• They may affect health. Higher exposure has been associated with outcomes such as increased cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, reduced vaccine response, and increased risk of certain cancers.

The catch: “natural” doesn’t mean PFAS-free

Here’s the part that surprises people. Paper and bamboo straws feel like the green choice, yet they were the two materials most likely to contain PFAS in this study. Plant-based and biodegradable does not automatically mean chemical-free, especially when a coating is added to keep the straw from turning to mush. If you’ve been reaching for bamboo straws, they’re still a fine reusable option, but choose ones labeled untreated or uncoated rather than assuming they’re clean.

Safer, PFAS-free alternatives

The good news is that the fix is simple, and it’s the same fix we recommend for cutting plastic waste: switch to a reusable straw you clean and keep. Based on the study, the standout was stainless steel, and silicone is inherently PFAS-free by its material makeup.

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• Stainless steel was the only material with no PFAS detected, and it lasts for years. A stainless steel straw set with a case is an easy, durable swap. See our take on metal straw benefits.
• Silicone is soft, kid-friendly, and free of these coatings. A set of reusable silicone straws is great for households with children. More on silicone straws here.
• Glass is tasteless and easy to see into, though the study did detect PFAS in some brands, so it wasn’t perfectly clean.

What you can do

You don’t need to panic, just make a few practical choices:

• Bring your own reusable straw when you’re out. It sidesteps the coating question entirely.
• Favor stainless steel or silicone, or plain uncoated glass, over paper and coated bamboo.
• If you do buy disposables, look for straws certified PFAS-free.
• Reuse and clean what you have rather than cycling through single-use straws of any material.

This is exactly the mindset behind doing away with disposable: a durable straw you wash and reuse solves the waste problem and the coating problem at the same time.

Frequently asked questions

Are paper straws safe to use?

An occasional paper straw is unlikely to harm you, since the PFAS levels detected were low. The concern is cumulative exposure over time, because PFAS persist in the body and environment. If you can, choose a reusable straw instead.

Do all paper straws contain PFAS?

No, but most tested did. In the University of Antwerp study, about 90% of paper straw brands contained PFAS. Some manufacturers now make certified PFAS-free paper straws, so check the label if paper is your only option.

Are bamboo straws PFAS-free?

Not necessarily. The same study found PFAS in 4 of 5 bamboo straw brands, likely from a water-repellent coating. Bamboo is still a good reusable choice, but look for untreated, uncoated straws.

Which straw is the safest choice?

Stainless steel was the only material with no PFAS detected in the study, making it the safest pick on that measure. Silicone is also PFAS-free by nature. Both are reusable, durable, and easy to clean.

Should I worry about paper straws I’ve already used?

There’s no need to worry about past occasional use. PFAS exposure is about long-term accumulation, so the meaningful step is simply choosing a PFAS-free reusable straw going forward.

The bottom line

Paper straws were meant to be the responsible swap, but this research shows “plant-based” and “chemical-free” aren’t the same thing. The cleanest, simplest answer is a reusable straw you keep and wash, with stainless steel and silicone leading the pack. Compare durable, PFAS-free options in our glass vs stainless steel guide, or browse all of our reusable straw guides to find the one you’ll actually stick with.