Paper straws are more likely to contain harmful forever chemicals than plastic straws, new research finds

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Companies have been switching from plastic straws to paper ones on the grounds of being more environmentally friendly. However, new research suggests the good-intentioned trend might not be the best alternative after all. 

The study, published today in the Food Additives and Contaminants journal, found the vast majority of paper straws tested contained synthetical chemicals, known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS don’t break down in the body or in the environment.