The Hidden Danger in Your Wallet: What You Need to Know About BPA in Receipts

Written By Shay Bering

You’ve probably heard of BPA in water bottles and food containers—but what about receipts?

That thin slip of paper handed to you at the checkout line might seem harmless, but research shows it’s one of the most concentrated and absorbable sources of BPA exposure in your daily life. And the risks go far beyond plastic packaging.

Here’s what you need to know about BPA in receipts, how it affects your health, and the simple swaps you can make to avoid it.

What Is BPA?

BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical used in the production of plastics and resins. It’s found in:

  • Plastic food containers

  • Canned food linings

  • Water bottles

  • Baby bottles (older versions)

  • And—less obviously—thermal paper receipts

Unlike many chemicals, BPA is hormonally active, meaning it can mimic or block the natural hormones in your body, particularly estrogen.

Why Receipts Are a Major Source of BPA Exposure

Many modern receipts are printed on thermal paper, which uses heat—not ink—to produce text. To make this possible, the paper is coated with BPA or BPS (bisphenol S) as a developer.

Here’s the problem:

  • BPA rubs off onto your skin easily

  • It can absorb through your skin in seconds

  • And it may linger on your hands, transferring to food, your phone, or your mouth

Worse still, using hand sanitizer or lotion before handling receipts increases BPA absorption 100-fold, according to a 2014 study in PLOS ONE.

Why BPA Is Harmful to Your Health

Even low-dose BPA exposure is concerning, especially with repeated daily contact.

1. Hormone Disruption

BPA mimics estrogen, interfering with:

  • Menstrual cycles

  • Ovulation

  • Testosterone production

  • Thyroid function

This can contribute to infertility, PCOS, early puberty, and hormonal imbalances in both men and women.

2. Increased Risk of Chronic Disease

Studies link BPA exposure to:

  • Breast and prostate cancers

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

3. Neurodevelopmental Impact

Prenatal and childhood BPA exposure is associated with:

  • ADHD-like behavior

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Impaired cognitive function

4. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

BPA triggers systemic inflammation and may contribute to metabolic dysfunction, autoimmune issues, and accelerated aging.

How to Avoid BPA in Receipts

While it’s difficult to eliminate exposure entirely, you can dramatically reduce your contact with BPA from receipts using these strategies:

1. Just Say No to the Receipt

If you don’t need it, don’t take it. Most stores now offer:

  • Email or text receipts

  • No-receipt options at checkout

2. Use a Barrier

If you must handle a receipt:

  • Use a tissue, paper towel, or glove to hold it

  • Avoid touching food, face, or devices until you wash your hands

3. Don’t Use Hand Sanitizer Before Handling Receipts

Hand sanitizers contain alcohol that can dramatically increase BPA absorption through the skin.

If you’ve recently applied sanitizer, wait before touching receipts, or ask for a digital copy instead.

4. Wash Your Hands After Handling Receipts

Use soap and water, not just sanitizer. This is especially important before eating or handling children’s items.

5. Encourage BPA-Free Policies

Support businesses that:

  • Use BPA/BPS-free thermal paper

  • Offer digital receipts by default

  • Prioritize non-toxic alternatives

You can also write to brands you love and ask about their paper policies—many are open to change when consumers speak up.

Are “BPA-Free” Receipts Safe?

Not always.

Many companies have replaced BPA with BPS (bisphenol S), which may be just as harmful—or worse. BPS is also estrogenic and more resistant to breaking down in the body and the environment.

That’s why experts suggest avoiding all thermal receipts—not just those labeled “BPA-free.”

Final Thoughts

Receipts may be small, but their impact on your health isn't. Every time you take one, you risk absorbing chemicals that disrupt your hormones, stress your liver, and interfere with your body’s natural rhythm.

At B.Well, I believe that health is in the details—especially the ones hiding in plain sight.

Reducing your toxic load doesn’t require perfection. Just awareness, intention, and a few smart swaps—like ditching paper receipts whenever you can.

Want a Clean Swaps Shopping Guide or Low-Tox Living Checklist?
Visit follow along on Instagram @beringwellness for more tips on hormone health, non-toxic living, and science-backed wellness tools.

Shay Bering
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