I stop and think now….before I instinctively reach for that receipt – I think about what may be on it.
I think about whether I really need it for tax purposes or other records, and I now ask if they can email it to me as most companies now have the technology to enter your email address, such as Office Works in Australia.
Why – well it is just one of those examples of toxins or chemicals that are AROUND us, that then get ON us and then IN us…. BPA mostly!
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor – a substance which interferes with the production, secretion, transport, action, function and elimination of natural hormones. BPA can imitate our body’s own hormones in a way that could be hazardous for health. Babies and young children are said to be especially sensitive to the effects of BPA.
There has been a number of studies lately that have shown that levels of BPA can be found on those cash register receipts that we perhaps take for granted. As a rule of thumb – if those receipts fade in the sun, they would contain BPA. Have a look at these two references for information on studies:
Health fears over chemicals in receipts
“Absorption is usually through the oral route, through ingestion…Follow-up tests found that BPA levels could rise as much as five times in samples taken six hours after the shift ended”
While we can avoid chemicals in the thermal receipt paper by making a choice, it is those that are also handling receipts day to day that may be at greatest risk.
Cashiers May Absorb Controversial Chemical When Handling Receipts
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Anything – we can avoid the risk by making some simply choices. Have a look at this reference and make your own decision. Let us know how you go…
How to Avoid BPA Exposure from Cash Register Receipts
- If you don’t need a receipt, leave it — and ask the cashier not to print it if possible.
- If you need the receipt, ask the cashier to place it in the bag.
- Place receipts in a drawer or space on your desk just for the receipts.
- Avoid further unnecessary contact.
- Wash your hands well after handling receipts.
- Do not place receipts in bags with food items, especially items you eat raw.
- Keep all receipts in one place and always wash your hands well after touching them
- If you use thermal paper receipts, check with your supplier to see if the paper contains BPA, and if it does, switch to a BPA-free paper manufacturer. (Appleton Paper, the USA’s country’s largest manufacturer of thermal paper receipts went BPA-free in 2006)
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