Simply holding a paper receipt for 10 seconds can expose you to dangerous levels of a hormone-disrupting chemical, health researchers warn, while concerns mount about its impacts on fertility and hormonal health.
At a Glance
- Handling paper receipts for just 10 seconds can expose you to unsafe levels of Bisphenol S (BPS), an endocrine-disrupting chemical
- BPS, which replaced BPA in many products, may be equally harmful and is linked to reproductive problems, hormone disruption, and cancer risks
- The Center for Environmental Health has issued violation notices to 32 retailers with high BPS levels in their receipts
- Consumers should request digital receipts when possible and never use alcohol-based hand sanitizers before handling receipts
- Cashiers and those who handle receipts regularly face greater health risks and should wear gloves when possible
The Hidden Dangers in Your Shopping Receipts
That innocent-looking paper receipt from your last shopping trip could pose significant health risks. Health researchers and the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) have identified concerning levels of Bisphenol S (BPS) in thermal paper receipts from major retailers across the United States. This chemical, which many manufacturers switched to after concerns arose about Bisphenol A (BPA), may be equally harmful to human health, disrupting hormonal systems after even brief exposure through the skin.
“BPS, like [Bisphenol A] … mimics estrogen and can disrupt the normal functioning of the body, including metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction,” according to a CEH statement.
The CEH has taken action by issuing notices of violation to 32 retailers whose receipts contain high BPS levels. The organization plans to pursue legal action unless these companies either provide clear health warnings or reformulate their products to eliminate BPS. The concerns are serious enough that retailers could face civil penalties for non-compliance with consumer protection regulations.
How BPS Enters Your Body
The primary concern with BPS in receipts is how easily it can be absorbed through the skin. Thermal paper receipts use BPS as part of the heat-activated printing process, leaving a coating that transfers to your fingers when handled. Testing by independent laboratories confirms that the concentrations are alarmingly high, with immediate health implications from even minimal contact.
“Based on these studies and testing by an independent lab, the concentrations were so high that touching only one receipt with BPS for 10 seconds resulted in exposure above the safe harbor level, which requires a clear and reasonable warning to consumers,” said CEH Science Lead Mihir Vohra.
The situation becomes even more hazardous when people use alcohol-based hand sanitizers or lotions before handling receipts. These products can increase BPS absorption by up to 100 times, dramatically raising exposure levels. Cashiers and retail workers who handle receipts throughout their shifts face particularly elevated risks of chronic exposure.
Health Impacts Beyond Hormones
The health concerns associated with BPS extend far beyond just hormonal disruption. Research links this chemical to a range of serious conditions including reproductive problems, decreased sperm count, cancer risks, and potential cognitive damage. A 2021 study by German researchers found that BPS may damage human brain cells, based on testing with goldfish nerve cells that showed concerning neurological effects.
“[The findings were] really eye-opening for us. They really speak to just how high the concentrations of BPS are in these receipts,” noted Mihir Vohra in reference to their testing results.
Like many “forever chemicals,” BPS persists in the environment and continues accumulating in the body. Pregnant women and children face especially high risks from exposure, as these chemicals can impact development. Unfortunately, manufacturers have often replaced one harmful chemical with another that poses similar dangers — what environmental health experts describe as a “toxic shell game.”
Protecting Yourself from BPS Exposure
Health experts recommend several practical steps to reduce your exposure to BPS from paper receipts. The simplest approach is to decline paper receipts whenever possible and request digital alternatives instead. When you must handle receipts, avoid using hand sanitizer beforehand and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Never recycle thermal paper receipts, as they can contaminate other recycled paper products with bisphenols.
“Store workers who must handle receipts should wear gloves if possible or avoid using alcohol-based hand cleaners before handling a receipt, because it can significantly increase the absorption of BPS,” advised CEH Senior Director Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon.
Businesses can take responsibility by switching to phenol-free alternatives such as papers using ascorbic acid, Pergafast 201, or Blue4est technology. Some retailers have already transitioned to fully digital receipt systems, not only protecting customer health but also reducing paper waste and operational costs. As consumer awareness grows, more businesses are likely to follow suit in eliminating these harmful chemicals from their operations.
