Grabbing a receipt after paying for groceries, coffee, or a new pair of shoes is something most of us do without thinking. We fold it into our wallet, slip it into a shopping bag, or crumple it into a pocket before throwing it away later.
But according to recent findings from the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), that everyday habit may deserve a second look. Investigators found that many thermal paper receipts still contain Bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical that can transfer onto the skin within seconds of handling the paper.
While occasional contact is unlikely to cause immediate harm, researchers say repeated exposure—particularly for retail workers who handle receipts throughout the day—may contribute to long-term health concerns.
What Makes Thermal Receipts Different?
Unlike ordinary paper, thermal receipts don’t use ink to print words. Instead, they are coated with heat-sensitive chemicals that react when exposed to the printer’s heated print head.
One of the chemicals commonly used in this coating is Bisphenol S (BPS).
BPS became widely used after many manufacturers moved away from Bisphenol A (BPA), another chemical that had raised concerns about its effects on human health. Although BPS was introduced as an alternative, newer research suggests it may also interfere with the body’s hormone system in similar ways.
Because BPS sits on the surface of the receipt rather than being permanently bound to the paper, it can easily transfer to your fingers when you touch it.
Why Are Scientists Concerned About BPS?
BPS belongs to a group of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors. These substances can interfere with the body’s hormone system, which regulates growth, metabolism, reproduction, and many other essential functions.
Laboratory and observational studies have linked long-term exposure to bisphenol compounds with several potential health concerns, including:
- Disruption of normal hormone signaling
- Possible effects on reproductive health
- Changes in fetal and early childhood development
- Associations with metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes
- Possible links to certain hormone-sensitive cancers
It’s important to note that scientists are still studying exactly how much exposure poses a significant health risk, particularly in everyday situations. However, many public health experts recommend minimizing unnecessary exposure whenever practical.
One Habit That Can Increase Exposure
Many people sanitize their hands before leaving a store, especially after using self-checkout machines or shopping carts.
Ironically, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately before handling a receipt may increase the amount of BPS absorbed through the skin.
Alcohol temporarily alters the skin’s protective barrier, allowing certain chemicals to pass through more easily. Some laboratory studies suggest this could significantly increase the transfer of bisphenols from receipt paper.
If you use hand sanitizer, experts recommend handling receipts first and sanitizing your hands afterward instead.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk?
For most shoppers, briefly handling a receipt is unlikely to result in dangerous levels of exposure.
However, repeated daily contact may be more concerning for people whose jobs require them to handle hundreds of receipts during every shift.
Groups that may experience higher exposure include:
- Cashiers
- Retail employees
- Restaurant workers
- Bank tellers
- Customer service staff
Children and pregnant women may also be more sensitive to chemicals that affect hormone activity, making it sensible to limit unnecessary exposure whenever possible.
Simple Ways to Reduce Your Exposure
Fortunately, reducing contact with thermal paper is easy and doesn’t require major lifestyle changes.
Here are a few practical habits that can help:
Choose Digital Receipts
Whenever possible, opt for an emailed or text receipt instead of a printed one. This completely eliminates contact with thermal paper.
Handle Receipts Less
If you need a paper receipt, avoid holding it longer than necessary. Place it directly into your wallet or shopping bag rather than carrying it in your hand.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands with soap and water after handling receipts, especially before eating or preparing food.
Use Hand Sanitizer at the Right Time
Apply hand sanitizer after handling receipts—not before—to reduce the chance of increased chemical absorption.
Retail Workers Can Take Extra Precautions
Employees who regularly handle receipts may benefit from simple workplace measures such as wearing nitrile gloves when changing receipt paper rolls or washing their hands regularly throughout the day.
Should You Be Worried?
The discovery of BPS in thermal paper does not mean every receipt is dangerous or that touching one will immediately affect your health.
Instead, the concern centers on repeated, long-term exposure. As researchers continue studying the health effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, many experts agree that reducing avoidable exposure is a sensible precaution—especially when safer alternatives like digital receipts are readily available.
Several retailers have already begun switching to BPA- and BPS-free receipt paper, and consumer advocates continue encouraging businesses to adopt safer printing technologies.
Store receipts may seem harmless, but they highlight how everyday products can contribute to our overall chemical exposure. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of BPS, simple habits—such as choosing digital receipts, washing your hands after handling thermal paper, and avoiding unnecessary contact—can help reduce exposure without disrupting your daily routine.
Photo by Simon Kadula on Unsplash