Most people think nothing of grabbing a receipt after paying for groceries or a meal. However, a recent investigation by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) has raised concerns about the chemicals found in many thermal paper receipts.
According to the report, simply holding a standard thermal paper receipt for about 10 seconds may expose your skin to Bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical commonly used in receipt paper. BPS is often used as a replacement for Bisphenol A (BPA), a compound that has been reduced in many consumer products because of concerns about its potential health effects.
What Is BPS?
BPS belongs to a group of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, meaning they may interfere with the body’s hormone system. Laboratory and animal studies have suggested that BPS can mimic estrogen and may affect reproductive and developmental processes. However, scientists are still studying the long-term health effects of typical human exposure.
What Did the Investigation Find?
The CEH reported that thermal receipts collected from several major U.S. retailers contained measurable amounts of BPS. Because the chemical is applied to the surface of thermal paper, it can transfer to the skin through direct contact.
Researchers also noted that using alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately before or after handling receipts may significantly increase the amount of BPS absorbed through the skin.
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