HIDDEN RISK OF TOUCHING STORE RECEIPTS

Recent studies have revealed that holding paper receipts for just 10 seconds can lead to significant absorption of Bisphenol S (BPS) through the skin, surpassing the safety thresholds set by California’s Proposition 65. BPS is known to be a harmful endocrine disruptor that may interfere with reproductive health and development.

The chemical is used in thermal receipt paper to help ink appear when printed, but it doesn’t just stay on the page. Exposure to BPS can occur through direct contact with thermal receipts, leading to potential absorption through the skin.

The Center for Environmental Health in the US conducted research showing that even brief contact with BPS-containing receipts can expose individuals to risky chemical levels. This has prompted legal actions against several retailers, urging them to remove BPS from their receipts or clearly warn consumers about the risks.

To limit exposure, it is recommended to use digital receipts when available and avoid unnecessary handling of paper receipts. For those who must handle them, wearing gloves or washing hands immediately afterward can significantly reduce skin contact with BPS.

[About BPS: This chemical is used as a replacement for Bisphenol A (BPA) in many products. BPA has been banned in some countries due to concerns about its toxicity and endocrine-disrupting effects. While BPS was introduced as a safer alternative, research suggests it may have similar or even more potent harmful effects than BPA.]

– expanded info from Knowledge Junction