Chemistry expert questions safety of using paper-made tableware

Dr Kenneth Kwong Si-san, a retired chemistry lecturer at Chinese University, questioned the safety of using paper-made tableware, saying there are over a hundred harmful chemicals in a piece of paper.

The chemistry expert wrote on social media on Wednesday that he prefers not to use paper-made tableware as paper production involves the use of various chemicals such as acids (H2SO4), alkalies (NaOH), bleaching agents (Cl2, Cl2O, SO2), fluorescent agents, preservatives, and fillers.

“I would not even consider using tissues to wipe my tableware…however it is not a significant concern when using paper for printing or writing purposes since it is not intended for consumption,” Kwong wrote.

He further explained that paper needs to be coated to make it waterproof, which he noted that paper beverage cartons commonly contain coatings made of plastic and aluminum, while paper utensils, which need to resist oil and prevent food from sticking, may contain Teflon with PFAS - per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that could impact human’s immune system.

He also said fillers such as CaCO3, TiO2, and plastic pellets, which are commonly added to paper to improve its properties, are not food-grade.