You might want to rethink that. A new study contends that paper drinking straws may not be more environmentally friendly than plastic straws and could pose significant health risks to users as well. The study reveals the presence of "forever chemicals" — compounds that can persist for thousands of years — in these straws, linking them to cancers, thyroid, and liver issues.

Out of the 39 straw brands examined, 90 percent of the paper variants had chemicals known as poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals were prevalent in straws, especially those made of paper and bamboo. Notably, only the stainless steel straws were free of PFAS.

PFAS chemicals, notorious for their longevity and potential harm, can adversely affect humans, wildlife, and the environment. They are linked to various health issues, including decreased vaccine responsiveness, reduced birth weight, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol levels, liver damage, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer. Furthermore, these chemicals are used in everyday items, such as outdoor clothing and non-stick pans, to make them water, heat, and stain-resistant.

"Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic," says Dr. Thimo Groffen, the study's corresponding author and an environmental scientist at the University of Antwerp, in a media release.

"However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means that's not necessarily true."

As an increasing number of countries, including the United Kingdom and Belgium, prohibit the sale of single-use plastic items, plant-based alternatives have gained traction. These new results echo findings from a prior U.S. study on straws.