We all know that paper receipts tend to add up pretty quickly. With all the online tools for managing money, like Mint.com, it's a wonder we even need receipts anymore. Besides the obvious waste and environmental pollution, the thin, slippery paper receipts printed at most businesses are a very high source of Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical.
BPA is most commonly found in plastic #7, and in the lining of metal food and drink containers. This known hormone disruptor is a chemical that mimicks estrogen, otherwise known as a xenoextrogen. Exposure can be detrimental to a developing fetus, children, teens, and adults of all ages. BPA is suspected to contribute to many chronic diseases and hormonal imbalance. For this reason, many people choose to avoid polycarbonate plastics and canned food (Eden Organic Brand has BPA free canned products at www.Edenfoods.com).
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the exposure levels of BPA from paper receipts printed on thermal imaging paper is much greater than that from food containers. There is miniscule leakage from plastic food containers that can be measured in the nanograms. However, there are 60-100 milligrams of free BPA on the average cash register receipt. "Free" being the key word here, the toxin is not bound in the plastic, but free to transfer onto skin and then potentially onto food that is ingested.
This can be avoided by washing your hands after touching these receipts, and especially before meals. It is also a good idea to keep receipts stored in a plastic bag out of reach from children and away from the kitchen. This is a serious matter that can easily be avoided with proper attention. Want to go a step further? Consider accepting less paper receipts, it's good for the planet and it's good for you, too!
