BPA at your Fingertips

A chemical that has been under scrutiny for its hormone disrupting potential has been found in a most unlikely place. Bisphenol A or BPA for short has been controversial for years. This endocrine disruptor mimics estrogen. It has been found in clear hard plastic like baby and water bottles as well as the lining of food and beverage cans. Now it appears that this chemical is widely used in cash register receipts. The Environmental Working Group sampled receipts from seven states and the District of Columbia. Of the 36 tested, 40 percent had substantial amounts of BPA residue. Some had surprisingly high levels, surpassing the amount of BPA in baby bottles or canned food. A few receipts had no detectable amounts of BPA. Concerns have been raised that frequent handling of BPA laden paper receipts may add to the total exposure. Because questions have been raised about the health effects of BPA, consumers are advised to wash hands thoroughly after handling receipts.