BPS: Another Endocrine Disruptor in Consumer Receipts
Many well-known American retailers are reportedly distributing paper receipts that contain alarmingly high levels of bisphenol S (BPS), a toxic chemical. This exposure occurs even after brief contact with the receipts, posing significant health risks, according to a consumer health advocacy group.
The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), based in Oakland, California, revealed on Monday that it has initiated legal proceedings against 32 major retailers. Their investigation uncovered that these retailers use a non-recyclable thermal paper for receipts, which contains BPS levels much higher than those deemed safe. Previous studies have indicated that this type of thermal paper can have 250-1,000 times more BPA, a similar chemical, than is found in canned foods.
“Independent laboratory tests have shown that the amount of BPS in these receipts is so concentrated that even a brief 10-second contact can lead to exposure exceeding safe levels,” stated Mihir Vohra, the science lead at CEH.
The Health Risks of BPS
CEH further elaborated on the dangers posed by BPS:
Just like BPA, BPS is a chemical that interferes with hormonal functions by mimicking estrogen, potentially disrupting metabolism, growth, and reproductive processes. Even short-term handling of receipt paper can lead to BPS absorption through the skin. Toward the end of 2023, BPS was officially recognized by California as a chemical that may cause reproductive harm, prompting a one-year grace period for businesses to eliminate or label BPS in their products.
CEH has alerted numerous retailers that their receipt papers contain BPS levels that surpass thresholds set by California’s Proposition 65. These retailers have been given a 60-day window to switch to BPS-free paper or to start providing toxicity warnings near their cash registers. Failure to comply could result in lawsuits.
Kizzy Charles-Guzman, CEO of CEH, commented, “For over twenty years, CEH has been ensuring that companies do not replace one hazardous chemical with another. It’s crucial that these retailers now take the necessary steps to ensure that their receipt papers are safe for both employees and customers.”
CEH advises consumers to opt out of taking paper receipts whenever possible and suggests that employees handling receipts should take precautions to reduce BPS exposure.
“Employees should wear gloves while handling receipts if feasible, or refrain from using alcohol-based hand sanitizers immediately before touching receipts, as this can increase the absorption of BPS through the skin,” explained Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, a senior director at CEH.
Retail chains found to be using BPS-infused receipt papers include Burger King, Famous Footwear, Capital One, and many others across various sectors.
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