Study finds paper straws may pose greater environmental and health risks
A recent assessment conducted in South Korea suggests that paper straws, often promoted as a green alternative to plastic, may actually carry a larger pollution-related health burden.
The Korean Society for Life Cycle Assessment performed the evaluation for the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. The study analyzed the environmental and health impacts of paper, plastic, biodegradable plastic, and bio-based polyethylene straws, from their production to their disposal.
Researchers found that paper straws registered 6.33 times higher scores than conventional plastic straws regarding potential cancer-related harm stemming from pollution generated during their lifecycle. It’s important to note that this assessment focused on pollution-related harm, not direct chemical exposure or cancer risk from consumption.
The assessment considered 16 environmental impacts, with assumptions based on South Korean waste management practices, estimating that 74% of discarded straws are incinerated and 26% end up in landfills. While conventional plastic straws outperformed paper straws in 10 of the 16 categories, no single straw type excelled across all evaluations.
The study did not examine chemical leaching from straws into beverages or assess the health effects on users. Researchers recommend that retailers offer disposable straws only when requested.
Lawmaker Kim Wi-sang publicly criticized restrictions on plastic straws, citing the study’s findings as evidence that alternatives haven’t delivered on their environmental promises.
Former President Donald Trump has also voiced concerns about paper straws, previously stating his dissatisfaction with their tendency to dissolve and suggesting potential health risks. In February 2025, he issued an executive order directing federal agencies to cease purchasing and providing paper straws and to develop a plan to phase them out.
Concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” have also been raised regarding paper straws. A 2023 University of Antwerp study detected PFAS in 27 out of 39 straw brands tested, with paper straws being the most frequently affected. The European food-service packaging association, 360° Foodservice, maintains a no-PFAS clause for its members and enforces food-contact safety standards.
Source
“Paper straws could be doing more harm than good, study suggests”
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