The Hidden Dangers of Paper Receipts: Insights from a Chemical Expert

All around us, plastics and the hazardous chemicals they contain are ubiquitous, found not just in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and within our very bodies, but also in everyday items we regularly handle.

Experts like Dr. Leonardo Trasande have identified some unexpected sources of these harmful substances infiltrating our lives, such as the receipts handed out at various retail and service locations, including grocery stores, eateries, and clothing shops.

The Plastic Coating on Receipts and Its Risks

Although most people might not think of paper receipts as being plastic, the glossy finish that allows for heat-based printing is indeed a plastic polymer. Dr. Trasande, a noted pediatrician and environmental health researcher from NYU Langone, expresses concern over the chemicals this polymer transfers to our skin.

These materials can inadvertently introduce chemicals into our bodies, leading to increased exposure to potential toxins. Whenever feasible, Dr. Trasande opts for digital copies of receipts through emails or texts to minimize personal contact with these chemicals.

Chemical Hazards in Retail Receipts

The thermal paper used for receipts, praised for its practicality and efficiency, often contains bisphenols, which are central in plastic production. This thermal paper allows instant printing in environments like restaurants and various businesses.

Bisphenol A (BPA) once dominated the bisphenol class, recognized for its potential to cause various health problems, including cardiovascular issues, infertility, and various cancers. While BPA use has diminished in the U.S., particularly in receipts, it's often replaced by Bisphenol S (BPS). Classified as a reproductive toxicant by California and forbidden in European food containers, BPS also bears potential links to cancer.

Recent findings highlight the ease with which BPS can seep through the skin when handling receipts. Study results from the Center for Environmental Health revealed exposure of just seconds could trigger legal warning requirements in California related to substantial cancer or reproductive harm risks.

Dr. Trasande advocates for stringent safety assessments of chemicals in plastic products, suggesting the use of known safe alternatives. He views the transition to digital transactions as a proactive approach toward lowering risk.

The Rise of Microplastics and Their Implications

While bisphenols pose their risks, the foundational issue is the pervasive nature of plastics. Scientific inquiry into the spread of microplastics throughout the human body raises concerns.

Whether at home, work, school, or outdoors, microscopic particles from plastic goods continue to disperse, embedding themselves in human tissues—from the brain to blood vessels. Although their precise health ramifications remain ambiguous, these particles are linked with inflammation, cancers of the lung and colon, reproductive health challenges, and cardiovascular issues.

Dr. Trasande acknowledges that while complete control over exposure is impossible, proactive steps can diminish potential harm, particularly those from micro- and nanoplastics.

Cutting back on the use of paper receipts is a tangible action. On a broader spectrum, Dr. Trasande emphasizes the need to curtail plastic production globally. The United Nations predicts another tripling in plastic output by 2060 if current trends persist.

A Call for Collective Action

A global treaty addressing plastic usage could be an essential step forward. Dr. Trasande refers to ongoing international discussions, emphasizing their potential impact in curbing the plastic crisis.