Are paper straws actually safer than plastic?
Not all of them. Many paper straws are coated with PFAS to resist sogginess.
What's actually in it
Paper straws that stay rigid in water usually have a PFAS or plastic-based coating to repel moisture. Testing in Europe found PFAS in many paper and bamboo straws, sometimes more than in plastic straws themselves.
PFAS in a straw spends several minutes in contact with a drink at each use.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Hazard Mater showed PFAS-related particles cause oxidative stress and DNA damage in gut cells. A 2025 study linked PTFE exposure to lower sperm quality.
Skip both paper and plastic single-use straws. Reusable stainless steel, glass, or silicone straws are cleaner, and they're cheap over time.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PTFE microplastics induce oxidative stress in human intestinal cells. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |
| Therapeutic Repair of Sperm Quality Decline Caused by PTFE. | Adv Sci (Weinh) | 2025 |
What to use instead
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