The endocrine jammer that health researchers usually find in paper receipts sounds an alarm—they say it doesn’t take long for your hands to absorb chemicals.
In a statement on April 14, the Center for Environmental Sanitation (CEH) announced notices of violations from 32 retailers who allegedly had high levels of bisphenol S (BPS) in their receipts.
In a formal notice of violations on April 11, the companies named dozens of national companies.
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The organization described bisphenol S (BPS) as “a little-known but harmful chemical cousin to bpa in receipt paper” and described organic compounds as “hormonal destruction.”
The Center for Environmental Sanitation (CEH) alerted 32 retailers that BPS-carrying revenue was reported. (iStock)
“BPS, like [Bisphenol A] … Mimicking estrogens can disrupt the body’s normal functions, including metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction. ”
“Study shows that when processing receipt paper, BP can be absorbed through the skin even for a short period of time.”
Expert warning
The statement claims that holding a receipt for BPS alone can have serious health consequences in just 10 seconds.
“Based on these studies and tests from independent laboratories, the concentrations are so high that exposure to only one BP receipt for 10 seconds leads to exposure to safe harbor levels, which requires a clear and reasonable warning to consumers,” said Mihir Vohra, head of CEH Science.
The researchers say that because of its properties that mimic estrogen, bringing BPS with a 10-second BPS receipt may have adverse side effects. (iStock)
The CEH said that unless they agree to “clearly reasonable warnings” to consumers or “re-engineer such products to eliminate BPS exposure”, the alleged violators will be filed.
The retailer must also pay a “appropriate civil penalty.”
The organization advises consumers to reject paper receipts as much as possible.
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“Shop workers who have to process receipts should wear gloves if possible, or avoid alcohol-based hand sanitizer before processing receipts, as it can greatly increase the absorption of BPS,” said Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, senior director of CEH.
“Receipts are made of hot paper and should not be reused because they contain bisphenols such as BPA and BPS, which contaminate the recycling stream and pose health and environmental risks.”
A senior CEH executive advises retail employees to wear gloves when processing receipts to protect themselves from BPS. (iStock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst at Fox News, noted that digital receipts are more common than ever.
“We will certainly move towards digital receipts anyway,” medical experts told Fox News Digital.
Siegel also noted that many Americans are exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) without notice, for example, although not found on iPhones, they are usually found on smartphone cases.
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Doctors suggest that more research is needed on the effects of “forever chemicals”.
“Eternal chemicals are everywhere, there is a concern for fertility,” said a doctor. (iStock)
“There is always ubiquitous chemicals, and there is a concern for fertility,” Siegel warned.
“We need to do better to record and limit exposure.”
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In recent years, BPS has been under scrutiny for its adverse health effects on people.
In 2021, German researchers found that compounds could seriously damage the human brain after studying their effects on goldfish nerve cells.
