Burger King, GAP, among others, in a lawsuit for toxic receipts. CSN News

You could be exposed to hormone disrupting chemicals in just 10 seconds by touching these toxic receipts.

After finding high levels of a toxic chemical in receipt papers, a U.S. watchdog took legal action against 32 retailers. According to the press release of the Centre for Environmental Health (CEH), just 10 seconds of touching one receipt could expose you to more than the safe limit of Bisphenol S (BPS) – a toxic chemical linked to hormone disruption, reproductive harm, and even cancer.

Names of major high street brands implicated in toxic receipt scandal

The lawsuit is aimed at many well-known names, such as:

• Burger King
• GAP
• Claire’s
• Forever 21,
• Subway
• The Cheesecake Factory
• Office Depot
• Staples
• GameStop
• Peet’s Coffee and More

The CEH claims that these companies have violated California Proposition 65 which requires clear warnings for products containing chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.

What is BPS and BPA and why are they harmful?

Bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical that is used in thermal papers, is often a replacement for BPA. BPA stands for Bisphenol A – it’s an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1950s and is also harmful to human health. BPA acts like a hormonal disruptor, affecting the normal functioning of the endocrine systems, which regulates the growth, development and other vital processes. BPA has been linked in some studies to an increased risk of heart problems, diabetes and cancer.

In January 2020, the European Union (EU), banned the use Bisphenol A in thermal paper receipts. This ban is in place to protect pregnant cashiers’ health and to reduce the overall exposure of BPA to the population.

BPS, marketed by the FDA as a “safer option,” has been shown to mimic estrogen, disrupt hormone balance, affect metabolism, child growth, and fertility.

Mihir Vohra (Science Lead at CEH) says, “Touching just one receipt with BPS during 10 seconds results in exposure levels above the safe harbour limit.”

What is thermal receipt and how can I spot one?

Thermal receipts are produced using heat-sensitive papers. The receipts that you receive from supermarkets and fast-food chains as well as ATMs and card readers are thermal receipts. These receipts are mainly found in the US and Japan but can also be found in Europe. Thermal receipts are characterized by a glossy or smooth texture and black or gray text that fades with time. They also turn black when they are scratched.

Unlike standard paper receipts, thermal paper contains coated chemicals that react to heat during printing – BPS is one of those reactive chemicals.

The toxic nature of thermal receipts poses serious health risks to both shoppers and workers

Retail workers who handle hundreds or thousands of receipts per day are at particular risk. CEH warns users against using alcohol-based sanitisers to clean their hands before handling receipts. This increases the chemical absorption into the skin.

“Receipts are made from thermal paper which shouldn’t be recycled because they contain bisphenols… that can contaminate the recycling stream,” says Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, CEH’s Senior Director of Toxic Exposures.

Avoiding toxic thermal receipts

• When possible, avoid printing receipts
• If available, choose digital receipts
• Do not touch receipts if you have used hand sanitiser
• Staff should always wear gloves to handle products.
• Do not recycle thermal receipts – bin them to prevent contamination

Switzerland’s ban of BPA and BPS thermal receipts

Switzerland banned BPA in thermal paper by December 2020. Recent research indicates that compliance was mixed. According to a 2023 study published in Regulatory Toxicology and PharmacologyBPA in receipts has dropped dramatically from 82,2% to only 10,8% between 2013-2021. However, BPS usage rose from 3.1 per cent to 19.1 per cent over the same period – despite the ban. Researchers noted that Pergafast® 201 (PF201) has become the most common replacement chemical in Swiss receipts, accounting for 60.3 per cent of thermal papers tested. PF201 does not penetrate the skin, and it hasn’t disrupted endocrine function yet. Researchers say more data are needed.

Europe’s Chemical Crisis

In January 2025, the EU will ban BPA and bisphenols from food-contact materials.

A recent report revealed that a record number banned chemicals were found in EU products, from toys and clothing to electronics. Despite regulations, unsafe substances continue to appear on shelves – often via imports or poor oversight.

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