# Grocery receipts hide toxic chemicals

> Handling receipts may expose you to bisphenols, but risk is low for most
- Title: Grocery receipts hide toxic chemicals · The Conversation
- Summary: Handling receipts may expose you to bisphenols, but risk is low for most Receipts contain bisphenols that can be absorbed through skin, but daily exposure is…
- Keywords: bisphenol a, bisphenols, endocrine disrupting chemicals, grocery stores, thermal paper, toxicology, receipts, fetal development, estrogen, safety standards, science, ideas
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/are-there-toxic-chemicals-in-your-grocery-store-receipt-291246
- Author: Sean McCann
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bisphenol a, bisphenols, endocrine disrupting chemicals, grocery stores, thermal paper, toxicology, receipts, fetal development, estrogen, safety standards, science, ideas
## What's in receipts?
Receipts use thermal paper containing bisphenols like BPA or BPS, chemicals that interfere with hormone signaling.
## Bisphenols explained
Bisphenols are industrial chemicals used in plastics and food containers, with BPA being the most common type.
## How they affect you
Bisphenols act as endocrine disruptors, potentially affecting fetal development and increasing risks for heart disease and diabetes.
## Safety standards
Receipt exposure levels are 50 million times below European safety limits, but workers handle higher doses.
## Who's at risk?
Pregnant people, infants, children, and those with endocrine conditions may need to avoid handling receipts.
## Precautions
Use email receipts, tuck printed receipts in bags, or wear gloves to reduce skin absorption.
## BPA ban history
BPA is banned in baby bottles in the US but not other products, with many companies switching to BPS alternatives.
## Why receipts are safe
Daily receipt exposure is minimal, less than one drop of water in an 8-ounce glass.
## The real risk
Most bisphenol exposure comes from food containers, not receipts, making receipt handling low risk for most.
## What to do
For sensitive groups, avoid receipts; for others, email receipts or store them briefly to minimize exposure.
## Key takeaway

Receipts contain bisphenols that can be absorbed through skin, but daily exposure is minimal for most people