User:Laurenpolley/Choose an Article

Article Selection
Please list articles that you're considering for your Wikipedia assignment below. Begin to critique these articles and find relevant sources.

Option 1

 * Recent Study Find Paper Straws May Contain Toxic Forever Chemicals:
 * Perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of synthetic chemicals, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), known for their persistence in the environment due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds. PFAS can accumulate in organisms, persist in water sources, contaminate soil, and spread globally via air and water currents. Their bioaccumulative nature raises concerns about their impact on human health, potentially leading to adverse effects such as altered liver enzymes, increased cancer risk, and compromised immune function. PFAS contamination in paper straws, often stemming from water-resistant coatings, underscores the need for safer alternatives like metal, bamboo, glass, or silicone straws, which are reusable and pose minimal health and environmental risks. The article's content is relevant to the topic of paper straws' environmental impact, as it explores the common perception of paper straws as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and challenges this notion by discussing the environmental drawbacks associated with their production and use. The tone of the article appears neutral, presenting both the perceived benefits and drawbacks of paper straws without overt bias towards either viewpoint. While the article does not explicitly cite sources for each claim made, it provides general information and arguments commonly discussed in the discourse surrounding paper straws. Specific citations are not provided for individual claims. As the article lacks explicit citations for its claims, it is difficult to evaluate the reliability of the sources used. However, it does mention studies and research findings in the broader context of the discussion on paper straws' environmental impact, which suggests an attempt to support its arguments with evidence.:
 * "Recent Study Find Paper Straws May Contain Toxic Forever Chemicals". Reusably. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-03-05.:

Option 2

 * ‘Eco-friendly’ paper straws, plastic straws both found to contain forever chemicals:
 * The article highlights the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, in various types of straws, including paper, plastic, bamboo, glass, and stainless steel. It emphasizes that PFAS were detected in the majority of paper and bamboo straw brands, raising concerns about the environmental impact of so-called "eco-friendly" alternatives. The study suggests that stainless steel straws are the most sustainable option, as they can be reused, do not contain PFAS, and can be fully recycled. Moreover, it discusses the broader issue of PFAS contamination in different products and its potential health effects, including low birth weight, high cholesterol, and increased risk of certain cancers. The article also mentions the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal for the first national drinking water standard for PFAS, indicating increasing regulatory efforts to address this issue. Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the environmental impact of paper straws and the importance of considering alternative materials in mitigating PFAS exposure and promoting sustainability. The article's content is highly relevant to the topic of environmental impact, specifically focusing on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various types of straws and its implications for sustainability. The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, presenting the study's findings and their implications without evident bias. Each claim in the article lacks explicit citations to specific studies or sources. However, it provides general information and references to previous research on PFAS contamination in various consumer products. The article does not specify the sources of the information presented, making it challenging to evaluate the reliability of the citations. However, it mentions previous research and regulatory efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), suggesting an attempt to base the claims on credible sources. The article addresses an important environmental issue but does not directly tackle one of Wikipedia's equity gaps related to historically underrepresented or misrepresented populations or subjects. It focuses primarily on the environmental impact of PFAS contamination.:
 * Rucker, Karah; Kennedy, Ian. "'Eco-friendly' paper straws, plastic straws both found to contain forever chemicals". Straight Arrow News. Retrieved 2024-03-05.:

Option 3

 * Paper straws contain toxic ‘forever chemicals’ — could be worse than plastic: study :
 * The article critically examines the ecological claims surrounding paper straws, shedding light on research findings that challenge their perceived environmental benefits. By highlighting the potential toxicity of paper straws due to the presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), it prompts readers to reconsider their assumptions about these supposedly eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. The tone of the article remains neutral throughout, presenting the research findings without apparent bias or sensationalism. Each claim made in the article is backed by citations to a study published in the reputable journal Food Additives & Contaminants. While the article does not explicitly discuss the reliability of each citation, the reference to a peer-reviewed scientific journal generally suggests credibility and reliability of the sources. In summary, the article provides relevant insights into the debate surrounding sustainable drinking utensils, written in a balanced manner and supported by citations from a respected scientific publication.:
 * Cost, Ben. “Paper Straws Contain Toxic ‘forever Chemicals’ - Could Be Worse than Plastic: Study.” New York Post, August 25, 2023. https://nypost.com/2023/08/25/paper-straws-more-toxic-than-plastic-study/. :

Option 4

 * Paper Straws: Are they Really As Eco-Friendly? :
 * The article discusses the popular belief that paper straws are a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic straws, questioning this assumption and highlighting the complexities surrounding the issue. It points out that while plastic straws have well-known environmental drawbacks, such as long decomposition times and harm to marine life, paper straws may not be a perfect solution. The article argues that the production process of paper straws entails significant energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, along with forest destruction, which reduces the capacity of trees to absorb carbon dioxide. It also highlights practical issues with paper straws, such as their tendency to become mushy and disintegrate quickly, leading to a less-than-ideal drinking experience and potential wastage. The article acknowledges that the environmental impact of paper straws versus plastic straws depends on various factors and perspectives, including the focus on disposable products versus manufacturing processes. The article's content is relevant to the topic of paper straws' environmental impact, as it explores the common perception of paper straws as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and challenges this notion by discussing the environmental drawbacks associated with their production and use. The tone of the article appears neutral, presenting both the perceived benefits and drawbacks of paper straws without overt bias towards either viewpoint. While the article does not explicitly cite sources for each claim made, it provides general information and arguments commonly discussed in the discourse surrounding paper straws. Specific citations are not provided for individual claims. As the article lacks explicit citations for its claims, it is difficult to evaluate the reliability of the sources used. However, it does mention studies and research findings in the broader context of the discussion on paper straws' environmental impact, which suggests an attempt to support its arguments with evidence.:
 * "Paper Straws: Are they Really As Eco-Friendly?". Stroodles - The Pasta Straws. Retrieved 2024-04-09.:

Option 5

 * Paper drinking straws may be harmful and may not be better for the environment than plastic versions:
 * The source presents findings from a study conducted by Belgian researchers on the presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various types of drinking straws, including paper, bamboo, plastic, glass, andstainless steel. PFAS were detected in the majority of the straws tested, with paper and bamboo straws being the most affected. The article raises awareness about the potential risks associated with these "eco-friendly" alternatives, as PFAS are known to have adverse effects on human health and the environment. The study's methodology and findings are outlined, providing readers with insight into the prevalence of PFAS in commonly used consumer products. Overall, the source contributes valuable information to the ongoing discussion surrounding environmental sustainability and the safety of everyday items. The article's content is highly relevant to the topic of environmental sustainability and the potential health risks associated with eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws. It discusses the presence of PFAS in various types of straws and the implications for human health and the environment. The tone of the article appears neutral, presenting the findings of the study without overt bias. Each claim in the article is supported by citations, referencing the study conducted by Belgian researchers and the publication in the peer-reviewed journal Food Additives and Contaminants. The citations provided are from Taylor & Francis Group, a reputable publisher of scholarly research. It primarily focuses on environmental and health concerns related to PFAS in drinking straws.:
 * Taylor & Francis Group. "Paper drinking straws may be harmful and may not be better for the environment than plastic versions." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 25 August 2023. .: