--- title: The Health Risk of BPA in Receipts description: The FDA banned BPA from specific products, but it’s still used in thermal receipts. Discover the health risks you face by handling BPA in receipts. image: https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/bpa-receipts.svg --- [tel:1-800-601-0230](tel:1-800-601-0230) 800-601-0230 - Features - Solutions - Developers - [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) - Resources [See a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/tour-payjunction) Features - EXPLORE PRODUCTS [No-code Payments Integration®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) [ZeroTouch Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-terminal.html) [Portable Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/portable-credit-card-reader-terminal.html) - ACCEPT PAYMENTS [Invoices](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/electronic-invoices.html) [ACH Electronic Checks](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ach-payments.html) [SmartSurcharge®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-surcharge.html) [Cards on File](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/store-credit-card-info.html) [Rapid Refunds](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/credit-card-refund.html) [Recurring Billing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/recurring-payments.html) [Ecommerce](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ecommerce-merchant-services.html) [Mobile App](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/payjunction/id1324839420?ls=1&mt=8) - EXPLORE CAPABILITIES [Overview](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-processing-solutions.html) [Integration Marketplace](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Remote Signature](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/signature-capture.html) [Multi-Location](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/enterprise-payments.html) [Sales Reports](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/sales-reports.html) [Search and Export](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/transaction-history-search.html) [Customization](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/custom-payment-software.html) Solutions - [Veterinary Streamline payment workflows and get paid faster with up-front deposits and payment schedules for high-cost procedures. 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Although the potential impact of this chemical was first studied by scientists in the 1930s, it wasn’t until the mid-2000s when a [boom of research](http://www.ewg.org/research/timeline-bpa-invention-phase-out) sparked concern across the globe. Because of the implications found in research, many countries (and more than [10 U.S. states](http://www.saferstates.com/toxic-chemicals/bisphenol-a/)) have gone BPA free for certain products. Following suit, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of the chemical in [baby bottles and children’s cups in 2012](http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/07/17/156916616/fda-bans-chemical-bpa-in-sippy-cups-and-baby-bottles) and [infant formula packaging in 2013](https://www.fda.gov/food/newsevents/constituentupdates/ucm360147.htm). However, an abundance of products are still made with BPA today.   ## BPA in Receipts A less-researched source of BPA exposure is thermal-receipt paper, however studies confirm these BPA in receipts are a pathway for [exposure](http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1832525?resultClick=1). For cashiers, this fact should be particularly startling. One study confirmed that cashiers who handled receipts containing BPA [had higher levels of BPA](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21205581) than individuals who did not handle receipts containing the chemical. Even more concerning is the fact that washing your hands after handling these receipts doesn’t mitigate its effects. It [absorbs into your skin](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00216-010-3936-9) at a depth that [cannot be washed away](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00216-010-3936-9), so it’s possible the chemical can penetrate your bloodstream (more on this later). Just how much BPA is in a thermal receipt? A group of Missouri scientists found the total mass of BPA on receipts is [250 to 1,000 times greater](http://www.ewg.org/research/bpa-in-store-receipts) than the amount typically found in a food can or baby formula package. ## Payment Processing Demo Schedule 15 minutes with a payments expert Get a customized PayJunction product walk-through Understand requirements and pricing Determine your SAVINGS! GET DEMO NOW ## Health Implications of BPA Because BPA mimics estrogen, [studies show](https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/BisphenolA_FactSheet.html) that it can disrupt the body’s hormone (endocrine) system. This means the chemical could contribute to multiple health concerns, including the following: - Obesity - Diabetes - Heart problems - Infertility and issues with reproductive organs - Hormone abnormalities in children - Susceptibility to various cancers - Cognitive or behavioral deficits Handling BPA on receipts is worse than ingesting it via canned food because it bypasses the liver, resulting in [higher levels in the bloodstream](http://www.newsweek.com/youre-absorbing-bpa-your-receipts-study-shows-230178). Does this mean you’re certain to suffer from health issues if you handle chemical-ridden thermal receipts? Not necessarily. The dosage needed to render effects is still up for debate, but exercising caution is recommended by experts. Bottom line: Little-to-no exposure is best for your health. ## Avoid BPA in Receipts Although BPA is not banned in all products, manufacturers have taken steps to address consumers’ concerns by replacing the chemical with bisphenol S (BPS). Unfortunately, this alternative carries its own [health risks](http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/chemical-used-to-replace-bpa-in-plastic-accelerates-embryonic-development-disrupts-reproductive-system). Many paper receipt manufacturers now offer BPA free receipt paper, but they still use chemical developers for printing and the receipts are likely made with BPS instead. As a cashier, what can you do? [Go paperless](https://blog.payjunction.com/signature-capture/). It’s the safest and smartest option to protect both you and your customers from the potential effects of BPA. By opting for digital receipts, you eliminate handling paper receipts altogether. ## How many trees does it take to produce paper receipts? [![CLICK TO FIND OUT](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/635739/65e2f0d2-1677-4e48-a095-c651c45b2292.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/635739/65e2f0d2-1677-4e48-a095-c651c45b2292) Did you previously know about BPA's presence in paper receipts? How does this information influence your perception of this practice? We'd love to hear from you! [Paperless](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/paperless) --- ##### [![The Philosophy Behind PayJunction's Engineering Success](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/payjunction-engineering-ethos.svg) The Philosophy Behind PayJunction's Engineering Success](https://blog.payjunction.com/payjunction-engineering-ethos) ##### [![Veterinary Software Streamlined Payments for Animal Specialty Group](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/veterinary-software-animal-speciality-group.svg) Veterinary Software Streamlined Payments for Animal Specialty Group](https://blog.payjunction.com/veterinary-software-animal-speciality-group) ###### About Author ![Picture of Ursula Librizzi](https://blog.payjunction.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ursula_Librizzi.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=Ursula_Librizzi.jpg) ### Ursula Librizzi Ursula is the sales and marketing operations manager for PayJunction. She oversees daily marketing tasks and liaises between the sales and marketing departments. ###### Related Posts ## [![Paper Receipts: Their Enormous Toll on the Environment and Public Health](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/paper-receipts-impact.svg) Paper Receipts: Their Enormous Toll on the Environment and Public Health “Would you like a copy of your receipt?”](https://blog.payjunction.com/paper-receipts-impact) ## [![The Benefits of Custom Business Receipts](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/custom-receipts.svg) The Benefits of Custom Business Receipts We’ve all been there. You’re sorting through receipts and one catches your eye. You think ‘What is this for? What did I even buy?’ You search the receipt for any minuscule clue to jog your memory. Nothing. Now you’re panicking over an unrecognizable $150 charge.](https://blog.payjunction.com/custom-receipts) ## [![Printed Receipts: The True Cost](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/printed-receipts-cost.svg) Printed Receipts: The True Cost If you’re like most business owners, you store every printed receipt from your credit card terminal and provide copies to your customers. It may be a routine you consider a best practice to protect your business, but the cost to maintain and store printed receipts significantly eats into your profits.](https://blog.payjunction.com/printed-receipts-cost) ## Meet a Payment System You’ll Love - ###### FEATURES [No-code Payments Integration®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) [ZeroTouch Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-terminal.html) [Portable Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/portable-credit-card-reader-terminal.html) [Invoices](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/electronic-invoices.html) [ACH](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ach-payments.html) [SmartSurcharge®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-surcharge.html) [Cards on File](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/store-credit-card-info.html) [Recurring Billing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/recurring-payments.html) - [Ecommerce](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ecommerce-merchant-services.html) [Customization](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/custom-payment-software.html) [Remote Signatures](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/signature-capture.html) [Rapid Refunds](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/credit-card-refund.html) [Multi-Location](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/enterprise-payments.html) [Sales Reports](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/sales-reports.html) [Search and Export](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/transaction-history-search.html) [Mobile App](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/payjunction/id1324839420?ls=1&mt=8) - ###### BUSINESS SOLUTIONS [Auto Dealers](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) [Veterinary](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) [Dentistry](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) - ###### RESOURCES [Product Overview](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-processing-solutions.html) [Integrations](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Blog](https://blog.payjunction.com/) [Guides](https://guides.payjunction.com/) [Support](https://support.payjunction.com/) [Service Status](https://status.payjunction.com/) [Tutorials](https://blog.payjunction.com/tag/pj-university/) [API](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) - [Trust Center](https://trust.payjunction.com/) [Request a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/payjunction-demo) [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) [About Us](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) [Careers *HIRING*](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) [Press](https://media.payjunction.com/) - ###### RESOURCES [Integrations](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Guides](https://guides.payjunction.com/) [Tutorials](https://blog.payjunction.com/tag/pj-university/) [API](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) [Request a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/payjunction-demo) [About Us](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) [Careers *HIRING*](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) [Press](https://media.payjunction.com/) [Trust Center](https://trust.payjunction.com/) [Service Status](https://status.payjunction.com/) - ###### BUSINESS SOLUTIONS [Auto Dealers](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) [Veterinary](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) [Dentistry](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) ##### 800-601-0230 SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER  Become a better advocate for your business. 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