Researchers warn paper straws may not be better for the environment than plastic

In 2021, plastic straws were banned from being placed on the Irish market

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Researchers are warning paper straws may not be better for the environment than plastic.

Back in 2021, plastic straws were banned from being placed on the Irish market.

Since this pubs, restaurants and shops found alternatives to plastic straws - one of which is paper straws.

But unfortunately scientists found long-lasting "forever chemicals" called PFA's were found in most paper and bamboo straws.

Of the 39 different brands of straw tested, PFAs were found in 90% of paper straws, four out of five bamboo ones, three out of four plastic straws, and two out of five glass straws. None were found in steel straws.

While PFA's stop your straw from going soggy, PFA's are known to be potentially harmful for wildlife, humans, and the environment' over time.

The study concluded that it's likely the presence of the substance is being used as a water-repellent coating.