How Receipts Could Be Messing With Your Hormones (And How to Fix It)
When we hear the phrase "hormone disruptor," we probably think of pesticides, plastics, or processed foods, not something as boring as a receipt. But those tiny scraps of thermal paper handed to you at grocery stores, coffee shops, and gas stations may be silently influencing your health in ways you don't expect.
What’s Lurking in That Receipt?
Most thermal paper receipts are coated with Bisphenol A (BPA) or its chemical cousin Bisphenol S (BPS). These chemicals are used to develop the text when heat is applied—no ink necessary. Unfortunately, both BPA and BPS are well-documented endocrine disruptors, meaning they can mimic or interfere with your body’s hormones, especially estrogen.
How BPA and BPS Affect Hormones
Once absorbed through the skin (or ingested if you eat or touch your face soon after handling receipts), BPA and BPS can bind to estrogen receptors in the body. This can disrupt natural hormonal signaling and potentially lead to:
Reproductive issues: Including altered menstrual cycles, infertility, and reduced sperm quality.
Thyroid dysfunction: BPA may interfere with thyroid hormone receptors, potentially affecting metabolism and energy levels.
Developmental issues: Especially concerning for pregnant women and children, as hormone disruption can impact brain development and sexual differentiation.
Weight gain and insulin resistance: Some studies link BPA exposure with metabolic issues and increased risk of obesity.
“BPA-Free” Doesn’t Mean Safe
Even most companies have gone over to "BPA-free" thermal paper, but don't be fooled—BPS and other analogues can be equally poisonous. In fact, BPS has been shown to disrupt hormone function at even lower doses than BPA in some studies. Because of their comparable structures, these chemicals are still able to bind to hormone receptors in much the same way.
Real-Life Exposure: Why It Matters
Studies have found that people who have frequent exposure to receipts—cashiers, restaurant waiters, for example—can have very high levels of BPA or BPS in their urine. Even brief exposure can leave measurable amounts of these chemicals on the skin, especially if you've just used lotion, sanitizer, or have wet hands, which increases absorption.
How to Reduce Your Exposure
Say “no thanks” to receipts: Opt for digital versions when possible.
Use gloves: If your job requires frequent handling of receipts.
Wash hands thoroughly: Especially before eating or touching your face after handling receipts.
Avoid hand sanitizer before or after handling receipts: It can actually increase BPA absorption by breaking down the skin barrier.
Bottom Line
Something as harmless as a store receipt can be quietly impacting your hormonal health. In our modern society, avoiding all exposure isn't always possible, but knowledge and making small adjustments can accumulate to enormous long-term health benefits.
References
Hormann, A. M., et al. (2014). Urinary bisphenol A levels after handling thermal receipts. PLoS ONE, 9(10), e110509. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0110509
Rochester, J. R., & Bolden, A. L. (2015). Bisphenol S and F: A systematic review and comparison of the hormonal activity of bisphenol A substitutes. Environmental Health Perspectives, 123(7), 643–650. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408989
Liao, C., & Kannan, K. (2011). High levels of bisphenol A in paper currencies and thermal paper from several countries. Environmental Science & Technology, 45(16), 6761–6768. https://doi.org/10.1021/es201077z
Biedermann, S., Tschudin, P., & Grob, K. (2010). Transfer of bisphenol A from thermal printer paper to the skin. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 398(1), 571–576. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-3936-9
