We all know that question from the cashier during check out, ‘Would you like your receipt?' Our inner accountant is screaming, yes, you do want that receipt and our other inner voice is saying, what if you need to return something? Well, maybe we should start thinking twice before we answer that question. Most receipts are made of thermal paper which is filled with bisphenols! Who knew an everyday task of accepting our receipt at checkout is one of the primary routes through which our bodies become contaminated with the toxic synthetic chemical known as bisphenol A (BPA).
BPA is a potent endocrine disruptor, carcinogen, neurotoxic and cardiotoxic chemical, linked to over 50 adverse health effects. It’s crazy to think this toxic chemical is still used to make items that many of us come into contact daily. Not only is BPA found in thermal paper it is also found in paper currency. Paper currency is known to absorb the BPA2 chemical when it comes into contact with a bisphenols source. This is just another way we are experiencing daily exposure to these chemicals. Skincare products such as lotions and hand sanitizers can increase the absorption of BPA into your bloodstream. It has also been found that 93% of healthy infants aged 3-15 months were found to be contaminated with BPA without any known cause of environmental exposure. This is a window into just how widespread bisphenol contamination really is.
Recently we have seen a lot of products labeled as "bisphenol A (BPA) free ”. Well unfortunately this is just another great marketing ploy! Little did we know, most industries are replacing BPA with bisphenols 100x more potent in endocrine disruptors than bisphenol A. Industries that have become reliant on the chemical are now substituting bisphenol S despite the fact that it possesses similar toxicity. The chemical class known as bisphenols actually includes over a dozen different forms, including bisphenols A, B, C, F, and P. Be sure to look for labels that say bisphenols free and implement ways to avoid known exposure to these toxic chemicals.
I’m sure you are all wondering how to stop touching receipts at checkout but still be able to keep track of them. I started a few little routines to help myself avoid touching receipts as much as I can. First thing is I created a specific album on my phone for receipts. When the cashier asks if I would like my receipt I kindly ask if he or she can set it down in front of me so I can quickly snap a picture. Now if you are anything like me, I started worrying about the health of the cashier and I didn’t want them having to handle the receipts either! Anytime I have the option to have my receipt emailed to me that is what I choose. Then I just snap a picture of my emailed receipt and log it into my app that track of all of them! There are tons of options to choose from in the iTunes App store that will help you organize and keep track of your receipts! Implementing these little tricks can help decrease your exposure and toxicity levels.
Spread the word to your friends and family about receipts and thermal paper! There are still a lot of people that are unaware of how dangerous they can be! We hope this information was helpful to you and your loved ones. Stay tuned for our next post!
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