Receipt Risk: Is BPA and BPS safe? What does BPA and BPS do?

November 08, 2023

Recent news highlights the presence of harmful toxins, such as BPA (80-05-7) and BPS (80-09-1), in receipts from various local businesses, including PetSmart, Kroger, and Chipotle. These chemicals, found in thermal paper used for receipts, can have adverse health effects, including cancer and reproductive issues. BPA and BPS can act like estrogen in the body, disrupting hormone balance, and have been associated with metabolic disease, neurological conditions, certain cancers, and fertility problems.

What does BPA and BPS do?

BPA (Bisphenol A) and BPS (Bisphenol S) are chemicals used in the heat-activated printing process, such as in the production of receipts.

Although the FDA has deemed certain levels of BPA and BPS safe, concerns persist. The FDA previously banned the use of BPA in bottles and sippy cups, leading most manufacturers to switch to BPS. However, some scientists suggest that BPS may be even more toxic.

Is BPA and BPS safe?

BPA exposure has been associated with reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. It has also been linked to obesity and attention disorders. As a precaution, some manufacturers have started replacing BPA with BPS or other alternatives, but the safety and potential health risks of these alternatives are still being studied.

Both chemicals have the potential to be absorbed into the body through the skin and have been associated with various health concerns. Tests on receipts from over 30 metro Atlanta restaurants, stores, and gas stations, involving 245 receipts in total, revealed that 80% of them contained BPS. The chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, and hand sanitizers may increase absorption significantly.