To work without plastic, many manufacturers have turned to paper straws. Although these are biodegradable, they can still be harmful. So many studies have shown that many paper drinking straws may contain carcinogenic substances that are released when in contact with food over a long period of time.
To ensure that paper straws remain stable for as long as possible, manufacturers use so-called epichlorohydrin resins. However, this hardening agent may be contaminated with chloropropanol. They harm not only the people but also the environment. Problem: The substance breaks down very slowly.
However, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BFR) reassures: “If you follow the strict specifications during production, according to the current state of scientific knowledge there will be no health harm,” explains the BFR.
