Receipts’ Hidden Toxins (BPAs) Threaten Your Body’s Health.

In 2022, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) reviewed studies on Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bisphenol-S (BPS) in thermal receipt paper, used for grocery, pharmacy, and restaurant receipts. They cited research showing BPA levels in receipts are 250-1,000 times higher than in canned food, with 54-79 micrograms/cm² in half of 18 tested Minnesota businesses. These chemicals absorb through skin, especially in cashiers handling receipts often.

BPA and BPS are linked to reproductive harm, obesity risk (up 10-20% in some studies), and attention disorders in kids. Cashiers show higher BPA blood levels (up to 30% more) than others, with risks worse for pregnant women or teens due to developing systems. These chemicals also pollute water when recycled, harming fish.

Switch to e-receipts or wash hands after handling thermal receipts to cut BPA exposure.