The next time you’re at the checkout and you’re asked if you want a printed receipt, you may want to go paperless. It’s not just for the environment, but for your health, too.
Paper receipts from major retailers in the United States are coated with a toxic chemical called bisphenol S (BPS).
There’s so much BPS in paper receipts that the time it takes you to grab it and put it into your wallet—just 10 seconds—is enough for your skin to absorb the chemical, according to the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a nonprofit organization in Oakland, California.
Research on the chemical suggests it may not be quite that fast, but it still could be a concern.
Why Is BPS Harmful for Your Health?
BPS is supposed to be a safer alternative to bisphenol A (BPA), a toxic chemical banned in many parts of the world.
BPS is used in a wide range of products, including toys, clothing, and food packaging. Many U.S. businesses now use BPS in receipt paper instead of BPA. But research suggests BPS may pose similar health risks.
One of the main concerns associated with bisphenols is how they affect the reproductive system, particularly hormones. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals may also be linked to an increased risk of several chronic health conditions and cancer.
Why Is BPS Used in Paper Receipts?
The BPS coating on thermal paper is necessary to help the ink develop on receipts. There are “phenol-free” paper options for receipts, but they don’t always work as well and may require different machines.
The CEH has sent more than 50 violation notices to major U.S. retailers (including Burger King, Subway, and Dollar General), warning that the amount of BPS the skin absorbs from a receipt exceeds California’s established safety limits.
These limits were set by the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, better known as Proposition 65 or “Prop 65.” The regulation requires businesses to warn consumers of possible exposures to toxic chemicals.
While some countries, such as Switzerland, have banned papers containing these toxic chemicals, the U.S. has yet to take such a definitive step nationwide. Washington state will ban the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of bisphenol-containing thermal paper by 2026.
Can You Avoid BPS?
It’s hard to avoid BPA and BPS because they’re used in so many everyday products, and they can leach into food and water supplies. While touching a single paper receipt may not pose a major health risk, the concern is about repeated, long-term exposure.
There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure to chemicals like bisphenols. When available, opt for a digital receipt sent by text or email to skip the paper altogether. If you need a paper receipt, have your wallet ready so you can quickly tuck the slip away instead of holding it in your hand.
What This Means for You
Printed paper receipts you get at the store may contain BPS, a toxic chemical that’s similar to BPA. While it’s really hard to totally avoid these concerning chemicals, opting for a digital receipt or just not getting one if you don’t need it may help you reduce your exposure.
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BPS in Paper Receipts: Health Risks and How to Avoid Them
Understanding BPS
When you’re at the point of sale and confronted with the option of receiving a printed receipt, consider opting for a digital alternative. Beyond the environmental benefits, this choice can also have significant implications for your health.
Many receipts from leading U.S. retailers are treated with bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical that raises health concerns.
Health Implications of BPS Exposure
Research from the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) reveals that contact with paper receipts can lead to rapid absorption of BPS through the skin. Your skin can absorb a concerning amount of this chemical in as little as ten seconds.
While studies suggest that absorption might not be as quick as initially thought, there remains skepticism about the safety of BPS.
BPS was developed as a purportedly safer substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), which has been banned in several places around the globe due to its toxic properties. Despite its intended safety, emerging research indicates that BPS may pose similar health risks.
Potential Health Risks
- Endocrine disruption: Bisphenols like BPS can interfere with hormone function.
- Increased cancer risk: Some studies link long-term exposure to bisphenols to a higher risk of various cancers.
- Reproductive health issues: Concerns exist regarding the impact of BPS on reproductive systems and the developing fetus.
Why Is BPS Used in Receipts?
BPS is employed in thermal paper receipts to facilitate the development of ink. While some alternatives that claim to be “phenol-free” exist, they are often less effective and might not be compatible with existing printing systems.
Organizations such as the CEH have alerted major retailers that BPS concentrations in receipts can exceed safe levels set by California’s Proposition 65, prompting regulatory scrutiny surrounding these products.
Steps to Minimize BPS Exposure
Completely avoiding bisphenols like BPS and BPA is challenging due to their widespread use in various consumer products. However, minimizing exposure is feasible with some simple practices:
- Opt for digital receipts whenever possible, thereby eliminating physical contact.
- If you must take a paper receipt, promptly place it in your wallet or purse to limit skin exposure.
Key Takeaways
It’s important to be aware that paper receipts may expose you to BPS, a chemical that carries potential health risks akin to those posed by BPA. While avoiding exposure entirely is difficult, choosing digital options or minimizing contact with paper receipts can significantly reduce your risk.
