Questions are increasing about the impact of chemicals used in the manufacture of paper receipts that we receive after shopping on human health, especially in light of talk about the possibility of some of them being absorbed through the skin.
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This type of receipt uses a special paper called "thermal paper," which uses chemicals that react with heat to reveal the letters and numbers. These chemicals include compounds from the bisphenol family, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS). This raises the question of whether simply holding the receipt could be harmful.
Bisphenols are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1950s in the manufacture of plastics and coatings. Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most well-known of these compounds and is used in the production of transparent, shatter-resistant plastics. It is also an ingredient in coatings used for food and beverage containers. In thermal paper, some BPA compounds are used as "developers," which react with the pigment in the paper when exposed to heat, thus revealing the printed text.
Toxicologists classify bisphenols as substances known as "endocrine disruptors" because they can interfere with the action of hormones that regulate several vital functions, including growth, reproduction, and metabolism.
Most research has focused on bisphenol A (BPA), and studies have shown that exposure to high levels of it may be linked to a number of health problems. Research has also pointed to its potential impact on fetal development and the function of certain hormones.
However, these findings do not mean that touching a single receipt will cause these problems, as the risk depends on the amount of the substance a person is exposed to, the method of exposure, and its duration. Studies indicate that some bisphenol compounds can be absorbed through the skin, and this absorption may increase when the hands are oily, such as after using some moisturizers or hand sanitizers.
The principle that "the dose determines the toxicity" is a fundamental rule in toxicology. In the case of receipts, research estimates suggest that the average person's daily exposure to BPA from handling them is approximately 5,000 to 50 million times lower than the limits set by the European Food Safety Authority.
The situation is different for workers in shops, restaurants, and others who deal with large numbers of receipts daily, as researchers estimated that their exposure could be about 100 times higher than that of the average person.
However, according to these estimates, this exposure remains well below established safety levels. Furthermore, receipts are not the primary source of human exposure to bisphenols; the majority of exposure comes from food and beverages that come into contact with materials or packaging containing these compounds.
Handling receipts is a low-risk activity for most people, and there is no need to worry too much about holding onto a receipt for a short time.
However, people who frequently handle receipts can reduce their exposure by avoiding using hand sanitizers or certain skincare products immediately before handling them, wearing gloves, or requesting BPA-free thermal paper. They can also simply opt for electronic receipts when available, or place the paper receipt in their bag or pocket instead of holding it for extended periods.
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