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The Receipts We Don’t Think About
Every time you shop, you’re likely handed a receipt without thinking twice. But what if that small slip of paper carried chemicals that could impact your health? Research shows that most receipts are printed on thermal paper coated with BPA (bisphenol A) or BPS (bisphenol S), both of which are known endocrine disruptors.
In fact, a 2024 Ecology Center study found that about 80% of receipts from major U.S. retailers contained bisphenols. Even short exposure — just 10 seconds of handling — can exceed California’s safe-harbor threshold for chemical exposure.
What Is BPA and BPS?
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical widely used in plastics and thermal paper. It mimics estrogen and can disrupt hormonal balance. Concerns over BPA’s effects on fertility, metabolism, and cancers led many companies to replace it with BPS (bisphenol S).
However, research suggests BPS may act similarly — and possibly linger longer in the body. In other words, “BPA-free” receipts don’t necessarily mean “safe receipts.”
How BPA/BPS Exposure Happens
When you touch a thermal paper receipt, BPA or BPS can transfer to your skin and be absorbed into your bloodstream.
Studies show:
- Even brief handling increases urinary BPA levels in humans.
- Moisturizers or hand sanitizers make absorption worse, allowing up to 100x higher exposure.
- Cashiers and retail workers face the greatest risk due to daily, repeated contact.
Are Receipts Dangerous? What Science Says
The science isn’t black and white. Here’s what we know:
- Short, occasional exposure is unlikely to cause harm for most people.
- Chronic, repeated exposure is concerning, especially for those with sensitive hormone systems (pregnant people, children, those with thyroid issues).
- Animal and cell studies link bisphenols to fertility problems, metabolic disorders, and hormone-sensitive cancers, though human studies are still ongoing.
The FDA currently considers BPA safe at certain exposure levels — but public health experts argue that cumulative, low-dose exposures from multiple sources (plastics, cans, receipts) add up over time.
How to Reduce Exposure to BPA in Receipts
The good news: you don’t have to stop shopping to protect yourself. Simple changes help limit your exposure:
- Opt for e-receipts or no receipt when possible.
- Limit handling time. If you need the paper copy, fold and store it quickly instead of holding it in your hands.
- Wash hands after contact. Especially before eating or touching your face.
- Avoid using sanitizer before handling receipts. It increases absorption.
- If you’re a cashier, wear gloves or ask your employer about BPA-free alternatives.
Why This Matters for Your Health
Your hormones regulate everything from metabolism to fertility. While a single receipt isn’t likely to harm you, daily exposure can add unnecessary stress to your body’s hormone system. At BASS Medical Group, we believe prevention matters. By staying informed about hidden exposures like BPA in receipts, you can make smarter choices for your long-term health.
Conclusion: Handle With Care
Receipts may seem harmless, but science shows they can expose you to chemicals like BPA and BPS. While the risk of disease from casual contact is low, limiting unnecessary exposure is a smart step for protecting your hormone health.
If you have questions about hormone health, fertility, or chemical exposures, our providers are here to help.
Request an appointment with BASS Medical Group today.
FAQ: BPA in Receipts
Do all receipts have BPA?\
Most thermal receipts contain either BPA or BPS, unless explicitly labeled “phenol-free.”
Is touching one receipt harmful?
A single receipt is unlikely to cause harm, but repeated exposure over time may increase risks.
Are BPA-free receipts safe?
Not always — many “BPA-free” receipts use BPS, which has similar hormone-disrupting effects.
Who’s at highest risk?
Cashiers, retail workers, and people who frequently handle receipts.
What else contains BPA?
Plastic containers, canned foods, and some water bottles can also be sources of BPA.
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