With plastic straws becoming increasingly scarce, some of the more popular alternatives could pose a risk of “severe injury” warns an expert. Environmental consciousness and responsibility have become mainstream topics in recent years, with many major brands, eateries and households making significant reductions in their waste production.
The primary target has been single-use plastic, particularly the ubiquitous plastic straw. As a result of this targeted campaign, many people have switched to alternative straws, from paper to pasta, though most prefer to use their own metal straws.
While this shift is likely beneficial for the planet, it could be harmful to your health when it comes to metal straws. Lisa Bell, an Oral Health Specialist at BeSeen Hub, warned: “The main concern with metal straws is their unforgiving rigidity. If someone were to fall or make a sudden movement while using one, the straw could cause serious injury. In extreme cases, it could even puncture a major artery, leading to life-threatening consequences.”
Tragically, this seemingly extreme scenario has made headlines before when a woman with mobility issues died in 2018 after falling at her Dorset home while carrying a mason jar-style cup with a metal straw fixed through the lid. As she fell, the straw pierced her eye socket, causing a fatal brain injury.
In a similar bizarre incident in New York in 2022, a 4 year old lad was innocently slurping yoghurt through his metal straw when he fell in such a way that the utensil pierced his throat and nicked his carotid artery. With no external injuries and the straw still in the yoghurt, the family were left utterly bewildered in the immediate aftermath of the accident. However, swift medical intervention ensured the boy made a full recovery. The expert emphasised that these risks are particularly high for young children or those with limited mobility or hand control.
“Even small choices, like opting for a safer material, can make a big difference when it comes to preventing accidents,” Lisa advised. There’s a range of alternatives available on the market, including flexible silicone straws and reusable plastic straws which are still eco-friendly. But for those who prefer their metallic items, Lisa cautioned parents to be mindful of where these straws are stored as they could pose a risk to little ones even when not in use.