Grocery Receipts Contain Toxic Chemicals, Experts Warn

Receipts given out at most retail transactions contain chemicals that could pose a risk to human health, according to a recent examination of scientific evidence. Thermal paper, commonly used for printing receipts, often includes bisphenols, a group of industrial chemicals known to act as endocrine disruptors.

These chemicals can interfere with the body's hormone system, which regulates critical functions such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism. While most research has focused on bisphenol A (BPA), other bisphenols like bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) share similar toxicological traits. Exposure to bisphenols has been linked to various health concerns, including reproductive issues, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. For developing fetuses, exposure is particularly concerning and has been associated with preterm birth and abnormal brain development.

Bisphenols function as developers in thermal paper, reacting to heat from the printer to create visible text and images. The chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, a process that can be accelerated by the presence of moisture or oils on the hands, such as from lotions or hand sanitizers.

While studies have raised concerns, the actual dose of bisphenols absorbed from handling receipts is generally considered low for the average person. One estimate suggested daily exposure levels were millions of times lower than safety standards set by European authorities. However, individuals who handle a high volume of receipts regularly, such as retail workers, may experience significantly higher exposure levels, though still likely below safety thresholds.

For most individuals, the risk associated with handling receipts is considered minimal. Nevertheless, certain groups, including pregnant individuals, infants, children, and those with endocrine-related diseases, may wish to take additional precautions. Common sense strategies to minimize exposure include opting for emailed receipts when possible, or storing printed receipts in a bag or pocket rather than holding them for extended periods.

Workers who frequently handle receipts can reduce their exposure by avoiding hand sanitizers and skin care products before work, wearing gloves, or encouraging employers to switch to bisphenol-free thermal paper. The primary source of human exposure to bisphenols remains food and beverages packaged in containers made with these chemicals, with receipt handling constituting a smaller portion of the overall exposure.