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ARE PAPER STRAWS AS HARMLESS AS WE THINK?

A few years ago, many brands switched to using paper straws because many experts said that plastic straws take too many years to dissolve in water. Actually, paper dissolves in water in a shorter time than plastic. But paper straws are not as environmentally friendly as they say! This is the result of a new study conducted in Belgium. According to the results of the study in which 39 different brands of paper straws were tested, a group of synthetic chemicals known as poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in most of the straws. There are more than 4,700 chemicals in the poly and perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) synthetic chemical group. These chemicals, which break down very slowly, have the power to survive in the environment for thousands of years. For this reason, the group of chemicals called PFAS is known as the ‘endless chemical’. These compounds almost never break down and can accumulate in our body, leading to health problems. PFAS is used to increase water resistance. Perfluorooctanoic acid, a compound linked to high cholesterol, decreased immune response, thyroid disease and increased kidney cancers, was the most commonly detected compound, and this substance has also been banned Worldwide since 2020. But the research shows that despite the ban, it continues to be used in production. Researcher Dr. Groffen said "Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful on their own, can contribute to the chemical load that is already present in the body" . Although paper and bamboo straws are more sustainable than plastics, they are not as perfect as we were told. Moreover, they misinform us about these straws that they are completely healthy, and maybe that's why we get sick. The healthiest straws are those made of steel and glass.It does not contain any PFAS substances in it. At least if you want to use straws in your homes, you can choose to use steel or glass straws instead of choosing plastic or paper straws, both for your health and to avoid polluting clean water.



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