A study from South Korea suggests that paper straws may be more harmful to health and the environment than previously believed. Commissioned by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the research found that paper straws had a significantly higher pollution-related health burden compared to plastic straws. The assessment compared several straw types and evaluated their environmental impacts, revealing that no type excelled in all categories. Concerns have also been raised about chemicals found in some straw brands.
Key facts
- Paper straws scored 6.33 times higher in cancer-related harm than plastic straws.
- The study assessed 16 environmental impacts of different straw types.
- Conventional plastic straws performed best in 10 out of 16 categories.
- The research did not measure chemical leaching from straws.
- Lawmaker Kim Wi-sang criticized the effectiveness of plastic straw restrictions.
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