this post was submitted on 25 Aug 2023
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Researchers found low concentrations of so-called forever chemicals in various "eco-friendly" straws, raising doubts about whether they're an appropriate alternative.

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[–] ThreeHalflings@lemmy.world 44 points 1 year ago (2 children)

No comment on the level of PFAS aside from

though the levels were low

This is just feeding the outrage machine to get clicks. If it was a story they'd be citing concentration guidelines and telling you what concentrations were found in the products. It's not a story, it's rage bait.

[–] volvoxvsmarla@lemm.ee 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I agree 99%. The 1% left is that, honestly, it is shitty that they contain any kind of PFAS to begin with. If PFAS in any kind of concentration are part of the production process, then it just isn't sustainable in the long run.

But the question is why do we need straws at all. I doubt that back in 1970 anyone would drink a latte macchiato with a straw. I found it strange just 15 years ago. If you fancy straws, you can get one high quality reusable one (steel, bamboo whatever) and carry it with you - I find this proposition much less offensive then expecting me to always carry a huge reusable cup with me. And for the most part you can consume drinks without a straw.

Now, there is people who have disabilities that require them to use a straw. For them, have some in store as a vendor, and hand them out if requested.

[–] kaesaecracker@leminal.space 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

It really depends on the levels, they are called forever chemicals because they last forever. In many cities you can detect cocaine in drinking water...

[–] volvoxvsmarla@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago

But then it doesn't depend on the level actually. If something toxic has a half life of a billion years then it shouldn't be used in production, no matter in what amount/at what levels. Cocaine will degrade at some point and also not stay in your system forever so I would argue that there can be a safe level of cocaine in drinking water. (I mean it still shouldn't be there, but it doesn't cause trouble on the grander scheme of things.)

[–] Aux@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

How's cocaine got in your comment?

[–] silentknyght@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Agreed. If it was "intentionally added" PFAS, it would say that, and that might be a big deal. I read through the article and didn't see that. Just speculation that it might be. PFAS is everywhere.