'They're not looking at the unintended consequences': Study highlights concerning toxins found in paper straws
A recent study out of Belgium has discovered paper straws containing poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals.
The research found paper straws were more likely to be contaminated with PFAS than any other type of straw.
"We know that these are toxic, harmful, persistent and bio-accumulative compounds," said Dr. Juan Jose Alava, a UBC professor who is also the principal investigator with the Ocean Pollution Research Unit.
"If they accumulate, we know they are immunotoxic."
Earlier this year the toxins were found in orcas off the B.C. coast. PFAS are commonly used in items, including straws, as a water repellent.
In April 2020, the City of Vancouver banned all plastic straws, resulting in many businesses switching to paper ones. The provincial and federal governments are set to ban plastic straws in December of this year.
A representative with Health Canada told CTV News that the federal government is researching the PFA issue, and new regulations are coming next year.
"Should the final state of PFAS report confirm that the class of PFAS is harmful to human health and/or the environment, the government will take risk management action with the objective of reducing environmental and human exposure," the federal agency said.
A representative with the City of Vancouver told CTV News that businesses must have straws on-hand for accessibility purposes, but recommended people minimize their use.
"Through education, the city encourages businesses to provide reusable straws, and also encourages the public to skip single-use straws, including single-use paper straws, unless they need one," said Doug Thomas, from the City of Vancouver Engineering department.
Susanna Carson, owner of a Vancouver-based compostable packaging business, says she's warned government officials for years about the dangers of paper products.
"I am completely frustrated with the way that the government has rolled out the regulations," said Carson.
Carson says many of her products fall under the new government bans, including a corn-based bioplastic straw that she says is safer than paper.
"They're not looking at the unintended consequences," said Carson. "They're not integrating the best science into their decisions."
Health Canada didn't say what would replace paper straws if their data concluded the PFA levels were found to be harmful. The Belgian study found that re-usable stainless steel straws contained no traces of PFAS.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Some structural damage' from wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., mayor confirms
More than one home has been damaged or lost due to a massive wildfire outside of the B.C. community of Fort Nelson, the mayor confirmed Wednesday.
'Very expensive lunch': Sask. driver says he got a cellphone ticket for using his points app in the drive-thru
A warning from a Saskatoon driver about using your fast-food app while in the drive-thru line — a trip to get some free lunch cost him a lot more than he bargained for.
B.C. YouTuber ordered to pay $350K for 'relentless' online defamation campaign
An 'unrepentant' YouTuber has been ordered to pay $350,000 in damages as compensation for a 'relentless' campaign of defamation waged online against a business owner and his company, the B.C. Supreme Court has ruled.
Chief says grave search at B.C. residential school brings things 'full circle'
Chief Robert Michell says relief isn't the right word to describe his reaction as the search begins for unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school he attended in northern British Columbia.
'Endless Shrimp' just one misstep for Red Lobster as it eyes bankruptcy protection
While it's unclear what these closures might mean for the 27 restaurants in Canada, Red Lobster is expected to file for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. this month.
B.C. man shot sex worker in the back during drug-fuelled birthday, court hears
A man from B.C.'s Lower Mainland has been sentenced to four years behind bars after shooting a sex worker in the back during a drug-fuelled 43rd birthday.
'Inhumane conditions': 68 dogs pulled from Winnipeg home
Nearly six dozen dogs were seized from a home Wednesday morning by the Winnipeg Humane Society. It is the largest known seizure of animals in the city’s history.
Ontario's 'Crypto King' Aiden Pleterski arrested
Of the $40-million Aiden Pleterski was handed over two years, documents show he invested just over one per cent and instead spent $15.9 million on "his personal lifestyle." The 25-year-old Oshawa, Ont. man was arrested and charged with fraud and money laundering on Tuesday.
Driver said he smoked pot oil, took medication before Florida crash that killed 8 Mexican workers
A man with a long record of dangerous driving told investigators he smoked marijuana oil and took prescription drugs hours before he sideswiped a bus, killing eight Mexican farmworkers and injuring dozens more, according to an arrest report unsealed Wednesday.