Health and Environmental Impact Assessment of Paper Straws

Paper straws are seen as an environmentally friendly option compared to plastic. However, a South Korean study highlights potential health risks linked to pollution. This assessment was backed by South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and conducted by the Korean Society for Life Cycle Assessment.

Researchers analyzed the effects of paper, plastic, and other disposable straws on human health and the environment, from production to disposal. Their findings show that paper straws scored 6.33 times higher than plastic straws in cancer-related pollution harm, according to South Korean reports. This measurement considers pollution from production to disposal, not chemical exposure from drinking.

“The assessment considered four types of straws: paper, conventional plastic, biodegradable plastic, and bio-PE,” the researchers reported.

The study evaluated 16 environmental impacts, assuming that 74% of discarded straws were incinerated and 26% went to landfills based on South Korean data. Conventional plastic straws outperformed in 10 out of 16 categories, but no type excelled in all areas. The study did not assess chemical leaching from straws into drinks.

According to The Korea Herald, researchers suggested providing disposable straws only upon request. Lawmaker Kim Wi-sang criticized plastic straw restrictions, suggesting alternatives failed environmentally. President Donald Trump also criticized paper straws, signing an order to cease federal purchasing of them by February 2025, emphasizing their ineffectiveness.

Fox News Digital reported concerns from Florida legislators, citing a University of Antwerp study detecting PFAS in many paper straws. 360° Foodservice, a European association, ensures no-PFAS in member products. Fox News Digital sought comments from related organizations.