Environmental-Friendly Straws as a Source of Forever Chemicals

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, (PFAS) create the water-resistant layer found on environmentally-friendly straws, such as paper and agave-based straws. Upon prolonged exposure, PFAS can cause serious health problems in the human body, such as decreased antibiotic responses. Due to the increased use of environmentally-friendly straws, we examined the transfer of PFAS to liquids that are representing beverages to determine if a risk of exposure is present or increased with the usage of the straws. This study examined both traditional paper straws and agave straws under the following experimental conditions: length of exposure and pH. After submerging the straws in the test solutions a color metric assay was performed which produces a blue complex with PFAS. The absorbance of the complex was measured using visible spectroscopy with higher absorbances indicating a higher presence of PFAS. It was found that paper-based straws presented the highest levels of PFAS in comparison with agave-based straws, which contained little to no absorbance levels. ANOVA demonstrated that there was a significant difference between 1-week vs. 2-week exposure of the paper straws. No significant differences were demonstrated for agave straws between 1-week vs. 2-week exposure. Differences in PFAS levels from paper straws under different pH solutions, to represent different types of beverages, were also assessed. ANOVA demonstrated that there was no significant difference in PFAS levels found in pH of 6.3, 3.5, and 4.1, over a 1-week exposure. Paper straws increase the risk of exposure of PFAS; pH does not affect exposure levels.