Receipt Paper: The Hidden Health Risk You’re Carrying Around

19 janvier 2025

Think twice before grabbing that receipt.

You might not realize it, but every time you handle receipt paper, you could be exposing yourself to harmful chemicals that disrupt your health in ways you’d never expect.

The Real Issue: BPA and BPS Exposure

Most thermal receipt paper is coated with Bisphenol A (BPA) or its cousin Bisphenol S (BPS), chemicals linked to serious health risks, including:

Hormonal Disruption: Messing with your body’s natural hormone balance.

Fertility Issues: Potential impacts on reproductive health for both men and women.

Increased Cancer Risk: Studies suggest a connection to breast and prostate cancers.

The scary part? These chemicals are absorbed directly through your skin—and it doesn’t take much exposure to start accumulating in your body.

What Are “Forever Chemicals,” and Why Should You Care?

BPA and BPS belong to a notorious group of chemicals known as “forever chemicals”—synthetic substances that don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body. They can accumulate over time and have been linked to:

Hormonal Disruption: Affecting fertility, metabolism, and thyroid function.

Cancer Risks: Studies have found correlations between long-term exposure and increased risk of certain cancers.

Developmental Concerns: Potential impacts on fetal development and childhood growth.

The issue? These chemicals are found in everyday products—food packaging, plastics, and yes, receipt paper. Awareness is the first step in reducing exposure.

Why This Matters

If you work in retail, restaurants, or any industry that involves frequent contact with receipts, your exposure is significantly higher. Even occasional handling can result in trace amounts being absorbed, contributing to long-term health risks.

How to Reduce Your Exposure

Protecting yourself doesn’t mean avoiding receipts altogether—but a few simple changes can make a big difference:

Go Digital: Opt for emailed receipts whenever possible.
Wash Hands Regularly: After handling receipts, especially before eating.
Use Gloves: If you handle receipts frequently at work.
Avoid Hand Sanitizers Right After Touching Receipts: They can increase chemical absorption.
Store Them Smartly: Keep receipts in separate bags or envelopes rather than your wallet or pocket.

Safer Alternatives Exist

Retailers can switch to phenol-free paper options that don’t contain BPA or BPS. Some brands are already making the shift—ask your local businesses if they offer safer alternatives.

📖 Knowledge is power. Understanding these risks helps you take small but impactful steps toward reducing exposure and protecting your health.

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