Rachel V Thomas

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Paper Straws Have 6.33 Times Higher Carcinogenic Risk Than Plastic Straws, Study Finds

Are you among those who ditch <span>plastic straws</span> in favor of paper ones? A new South Korean study suggests that switching to paper may not be as environmentally beneficial as it seems.

Commissioned by South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the study found that <span>paper straws</span> had 6.33 times the carcinogenic impact of conventional plastic straws. They also had 2.04 times the impact on environmental acidification, which can make soil and water more acidic and potentially harm plants, animals and ecosystems.

Researchers compared the environmental impacts of conventional plastic straws made from polypropylene (PP), paper straws, <span>biodegradable</span> plastic straws and non-biodegradable bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE) straws.

The assessment, conducted from May last year to April this year, examined four types of straws across 16 environmental impact categories.

Traditional plastic straws had a lower <span>environmental footprint</span> in 10 of the 16 categories, including climate change, air pollution and human toxicity. Paper straws performed worse in categories including carcinogenic impact and environmental acidification.

Meanwhile, bio-PE straws had the highest environmental impact in 10 categories, including ozone depletion, environmental acidification and smog formation.

The findings highlight how the environmental footprint of everyday products can vary depending on the materials used to make them and how they are manufactured and disposed of.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-panty-liners-pose-a-cancer-risk-what-science-says-article-156340789" data-type="tilCustomLink">Can Panty Liners Pose A Cancer Risk? What Science Says</a>

<h2>How Was The Environmental Impact Assessed?</h2>

Researchers assessed each type of straw across its entire life cycle, from raw material production and manufacturing to disposal.

The analysis assumed that nearly 74% of discarded straws would be incinerated, while the remaining 26% would end up in landfills, The Korean Herald reported.

The results showed that conventional plastic straws performed better than the alternatives in several environmental categories. However, this does not mean they are the most environmentally friendly option in every respect.

<h2>Why Are Paper Straws Difficult To Recycle?</h2>

Despite being promoted as recyclable alternatives to plastic, paper straws can be difficult to recycle in practice.

Their small size makes them harder for recycling facilities to separate, while coatings and adhesives used in their manufacture can complicate the recycling process.

Paper straws have become commonplace in bars and fast-food outlets as the hospitality industry has moved away from plastic amid consumer concerns about plastic pollution. Although paper generally breaks down more readily than conventional plastic, its overall environmental impact depends on several factors, including production and disposal.

<h2>Paper Straws May Contain More '<span rel="noindex">Forever Chemicals</span>'</h2>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/485-inactive-chemicals-in-us-pesticide-products-linked-to-breast-cancer-article-156238067" data-type="tilCustomLink">485 'Inactive' Chemicals In US Pesticide Products Linked To Breast Cancer</a>

A previous study by researchers at the University of Antwerp in Belgium found that paper straws contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (<span>PFAS</span>), commonly known as forever chemicals, more frequently than plastic straws.

These chemicals can persist in the environment for decades, contaminate water supplies and are associated with several health concerns. However, detecting PFAS in a product does not, by itself, establish the level of exposure or the risk to human health from using it.

<h2>Trump Administration Moves To Phase Out Paper Straws</h2>

In March 2025, the Trump administration launched an effort to phase out paper straws in federal government operations, releasing a White House report titled National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws.

The report argued that paper straws were more expensive, less effective and potentially more harmful than conventional plastic alternatives.

President <span>Donald Trump</span> described paper straws as a “pulpy, soggy mess” and raised concerns about the presence of PFAS, chemicals associated with cancer and other health problems, The Daily Mail reported.

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Are you among those who ditch plastic straws in favor of paper ones? A new South Korean study suggests that switching to paper may not be as environmentally beneficial as it seems.Commissioned by South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the study found that paper straws had 6.33 times the carcinogenic impact of conventional plastic straws. They also had 2.04 times the impact on environmental acidification, which can make soil and water more acidic and potentially harm plants, animals and ecosystems.What Did The Study Find?Researchers compared the environmental impacts of conventional plastic straws made from polypropylene (PP), paper straws, biodegradable plastic straws and non-biodegradable bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE) straws.The assessment, conducted from May last year to April this year, examined four types of straws across 16 environmental impact categories.Traditional plastic straws had a lower environmental footprint in 10 of the 16 categories, including climate change, air pollution and human toxicity. Paper straws performed worse in categories including carcinogenic impact and environmental acidification.Meanwhile, bio-PE straws had the highest environmental impact in 10 categories, including ozone depletion, environmental acidification and smog formation.The findings highlight how the environmental footprint of everyday products can vary depending on the materials used to make them and how they are manufactured and disposed of.Also read: Can Panty Liners Pose A Cancer Risk? What Science SaysHow Was The Environmental Impact Assessed?Researchers assessed each type of straw across its entire life cycle, from raw material production and manufacturing to disposal.The analysis assumed that nearly 74% of discarded straws would be incinerated, while the remaining 26% would end up in landfills, The Korean Herald reported.The results showed that conventional plastic straws performed better than the alternatives in several environmental categories. However, this does not mean they are the most environmentally friendly option in every respect.Why Are Paper Straws Difficult To Recycle?Despite being promoted as recyclable alternatives to plastic, paper straws can be difficult to recycle in practice.Their small size makes them harder for recycling facilities to separate, while coatings and adhesives used in their manufacture can complicate the recycling process.Paper straws have become commonplace in bars and fast-food outlets as the hospitality industry has moved away from plastic amid consumer concerns about plastic pollution. Although paper generally breaks down more readily than conventional plastic, its overall environmental impact depends on several factors, including production and disposal.Paper Straws May Contain More 'Forever Chemicals'Read More: 485 'Inactive' Chemicals In US Pesticide Products Linked To Breast CancerA previous study by researchers at the University of Antwerp in Belgium found that paper straws contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, more frequently than plastic straws.These chemicals can persist in the environment for decades, contaminate water supplies and are associated with several health concerns. However, detecting PFAS in a product does not, by itself, establish the level of exposure or the risk to human health from using it.Trump Administration Moves To Phase Out Paper StrawsIn March 2025, the Trump administration launched an effort to phase out paper straws in federal government operations, releasing a White House report titled National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws.The report argued that paper straws were more expensive, less effective and potentially more harmful than conventional plastic alternatives.President Donald Trump described paper straws as a “pulpy, soggy mess” and raised concerns about the presence of PFAS, chemicals associated with cancer and other health problems, The Daily Mail reported.

paper straws have 6.33 times higher carcinogenic risk than plastic straws, study finds

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