Latest news with #BisphenolA
Economic Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Holding bill receipts for more than 10 seconds may decrease your sperm count: Research
Common items such as shopping receipts, ATM slips, and restaurant bills may contain Bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical that can be absorbed through the skin within seconds. BPS is a hormone-disrupting compound known to mimic estrogen, potentially affecting metabolism, growth, and development. Though marketed as a safer alternative to Bisphenol A (BPA), BPS has also been linked to a range of health concerns, including decreased sperm count, cognitive issues, and breast cancer. According to a study conducted by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a U.S.-based non-profit organisation, thermal paper receipts were found to carry toxic levels of BPS. The CEH has issued violation notices to about 50 major retailers, including Burger King, Chanel, and Dollar General, for exceeding California's Proposition 65 limits for BPS exposure. The group warned that even brief contact with BPS-coated receipts could surpass safe harbour thresholds and may require businesses to issue formal health warnings. Store workers and frequent receipt handlers are considered particularly at risk. Based on CEH research and testing conducted by an independent laboratory, the concentrations of BPS found in receipts were so high that touching just one receipt for 10 seconds was enough to exceed the safe harbour exposure level. Under California's Proposition 65, such levels require a clear and reasonable warning to consumers. CEH took legal action against an additional 38 retailers following further investigations. Since the beginning of the year, CEH has filed legal complaints against a total of 90 companies for the presence of BPS in their receipt paper. Dr Leonardo Trasande, a professor of paediatrics and environmental health researcher at NYU Langone, told Business Insider that hazardous chemicals often come from overlooked sources. He noted that while thermal paper may not appear to be plastic, its glossy coating contains polymers, including bisphenols. Bisphenols are a class of chemicals found in numerous consumer goods, including food packaging, fabrics, toys, and cookware. Many companies have phased out BPA in favour of BPA-free materials, often replacing it with BPS. However, emerging research indicates that BPS may carry similar or greater toxicity. To reduce exposure, experts recommend opting for digital receipts where possible and declining printed ones. For individuals who must handle receipts regularly, such as retail staff, wearing gloves is advised. Avoiding alcohol-based hand sanitisers before touching receipts and supporting businesses that use BPS-free alternatives are also suggested as preventive steps. The CEH has called on regulatory bodies to update chemical safety regulations and enforce clearer labelling for products containing harmful bisphenols. The organisation stated that relying on chemical substitutions without thorough health evaluations could lead to ongoing risks. It has also encouraged consumers to be aware of the presence of such substances in everyday products and to push for safer commercial practices. Ace Hardware Dutch Bros Petco Aesop Exxon Petsmart Alliance Thermal Paper Famous Footwear PF Chang's Amazon Fresh FedEx Office & Print Phillips 66 (76) AMC Five Guys Pizza Hut Applebee's Foot Locker Pressed Autozone Forever 21 Raising Cane's Baskin Robbins GameStop Red Robin Burger King Gap Outlet Red Lobster Burlington Habit Burger Ross Capital One Harbor Freight Saks Off 5th Carl's Jr Hot Dog on a Stick Shake Shack Cardenas IHOP Shell Smart & Final Champs Jack in the Box Sonic Chanel JCPenney Spencer's Chili's JPMorgan Chase Staples Church's KFC Subway Cinnabon Kroger (Foods Co) Taco Bell Claire's Lids Tractor Supply Coldstone Little Caesars The Cheesecake Factory Converse Lowe's ULTA Crumbl McDonald's Corporation Victoria's Secret Daiso MOD Pizza Walmart Del Taco Nordstrom Rack Wetzel's Pretzels Denny's Office Depot Wells Fargo Dick's Sporting Goods Olive Garden Williams Sonoma Dollar General Papa John's Yard House Dollar Tree Papa Murphy's Domino's Peet's Coffee & Tea Disclaimer: This report is based on findings by CEH in the United States during April and May 2025. The present status of these findings is currently unknown. Readers are advised to exercise discretion.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Holding bill receipts for more than 10 seconds may decrease your sperm count: Research
Common items such as shopping receipts, ATM slips, and restaurant bills may contain Bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical that can be absorbed through the skin within seconds. BPS is a hormone-disrupting compound known to mimic estrogen, potentially affecting metabolism, growth, and development. Though marketed as a safer alternative to Bisphenol A (BPA), BPS has also been linked to a range of health concerns, including decreased sperm count, cognitive issues, and breast cancer. Retailers in the spotlight for BPS violations Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science Degree Public Policy CXO Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Finance Digital Marketing Product Management others Data Analytics PGDM MCA Project Management Management Technology Leadership Healthcare Data Science Others MBA healthcare Design Thinking Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Strategic Data-Analysis, including Data Mining & Preparation Predictive Modeling & Advanced Clustering Techniques Machine Learning Concepts & Regression Analysis Cutting-edge applications of AI, like NLP & Generative AI Duration: 8 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis & Interpretation Programming Proficiency Problem-Solving Skills Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT MSc in Data Science Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details According to a study conducted by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a U.S.-based non-profit organisation, thermal paper receipts were found to carry toxic levels of BPS. The CEH has issued violation notices to about 50 major retailers, including Burger King, Chanel, and Dollar General, for exceeding California's Proposition 65 limits for BPS exposure. The group warned that even brief contact with BPS-coated receipts could surpass safe harbour thresholds and may require businesses to issue formal health warnings. Store workers and frequent receipt handlers are considered particularly at risk. Based on CEH research and testing conducted by an independent laboratory, the concentrations of BPS found in receipts were so high that touching just one receipt for 10 seconds was enough to exceed the safe harbour exposure level. Under California's Proposition 65, such levels require a clear and reasonable warning to consumers. CEH took legal action against an additional 38 retailers following further investigations. Since the beginning of the year, CEH has filed legal complaints against a total of 90 companies for the presence of BPS in their receipt paper. Live Events Experts warn of unexpected sources of exposure Dr Leonardo Trasande, a professor of paediatrics and environmental health researcher at NYU Langone, told Business Insider that hazardous chemicals often come from overlooked sources. He noted that while thermal paper may not appear to be plastic, its glossy coating contains polymers, including bisphenols. Growing concerns over BPA alternatives Bisphenols are a class of chemicals found in numerous consumer goods, including food packaging, fabrics, toys, and cookware. Many companies have phased out BPA in favour of BPA-free materials, often replacing it with BPS. However, emerging research indicates that BPS may carry similar or greater toxicity. Precautionary measures recommended To reduce exposure, experts recommend opting for digital receipts where possible and declining printed ones. For individuals who must handle receipts regularly, such as retail staff, wearing gloves is advised. Avoiding alcohol-based hand sanitisers before touching receipts and supporting businesses that use BPS-free alternatives are also suggested as preventive steps. CEH urges regulatory action The CEH has called on regulatory bodies to update chemical safety regulations and enforce clearer labelling for products containing harmful bisphenols. The organisation stated that relying on chemical substitutions without thorough health evaluations could lead to ongoing risks. It has also encouraged consumers to be aware of the presence of such substances in everyday products and to push for safer commercial practices. Full list of companies facing CEH legal action for BPS in receipts Ace Hardware Dutch Bros Petco Aesop Exxon Petsmart Alliance Thermal Paper Famous Footwear PF Chang's Amazon Fresh FedEx Office & Print Phillips 66 (76) AMC Five Guys Pizza Hut Applebee's Foot Locker Pressed Autozone Forever 21 Raising Cane's Baskin Robbins GameStop Red Robin Burger King Gap Outlet Red Lobster Burlington Habit Burger Ross Capital One Harbor Freight Saks Off 5th Carl's Jr Hot Dog on a Stick Shake Shack Cardenas IHOP Shell Smart & Final Champs Jack in the Box Sonic Chanel JCPenney Spencer's Chili's JPMorgan Chase Staples Church's KFC Subway Cinnabon Kroger (Foods Co) Taco Bell Claire's Lids Tractor Supply Coldstone Little Caesars The Cheesecake Factory Converse Lowe's ULTA Crumbl McDonald's Corporation Victoria's Secret Daiso MOD Pizza Walmart Del Taco Nordstrom Rack Wetzel's Pretzels Denny's Office Depot Wells Fargo Dick's Sporting Goods Olive Garden Williams Sonoma Dollar General Papa John's Yard House Dollar Tree Papa Murphy's Domino's Peet's Coffee & Tea
NDTV
04-08-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Shopping Bills, Receipts Have Toxic Chemicals That Can Get Absorbed In Skin
Shopping bills, restaurant receipts, and ATM slips might contain highly toxic chemical, Bisphenol S (BPS), that can get absorbed into skin within seconds. BPS is a hormone-disrupting chemical that mimics estrogen and can disrupt normal functions of the body, including metabolism, growth and development. It's a lesser-known cousin to Bisphenol A (BPA). BPS has been linked to hormone disruption, cognitive damage, decreased sperm count, breast cancer and other health issues. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok and X, are overflowing with viral claims that thermal paper receipts are linked to health issues. According to a study, these claims could be true. The study published in 2021 found that exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is considered to be associated with the increased incidence of breast cancer. Notably, the chemicals are added as a coating to thermal paper to help ink develop. Recently, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) sent violation notices to about 50 major retailers in the United States. The non-profit group alerted the companies, including Burger King, Chanel, and Dollar General, about the high limits for BPS. Touching a receipt with BPS for a few seconds might result in exposure above the safe harbour level, requiring a clear warning to those companies who use it. The issue has made store workers and frequent receipt handlers at higher risk. Researcher Dr Leonardo Trasande, a professor of paediatrics and environmental health researcher at NYU Langone, recently told Business Insider that harmful chemicals sneak into our lives from unexpected places. "We don't think of thermal paper receipts as plastic, but that shiny coating is a polymer on top." Bisphenol is a class of chemicals used in a wide range of consumer products, including food packaging, fabrics, toys and cookware. Many companies have ditched BPA's use, replacing it with BPA-free material. However, recent research has found that BPS, which is often used as an alternative to BPA, is also toxic. How to mitigate the problem? Experts have urged to decline printed receipts when possible or opt for digital receipts. The store workers should wear gloves when handling receipts, or avoid using alcohol-based hand cleaners before handling receipts. And also, advocate for safer alternatives and support companies that use BPS-free receipt paper.
New York Post
03-08-2025
- Health
- New York Post
The troubling truth behind ‘toxic' chemicals found on receipts — and whether they're actually killing you: doctor
QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, I recently saw a viral video claiming the ATO is 'killing us softly' through thermal receipts – apparently they're coated in BPA and other hormone-disrupting chemicals. As someone who handles receipts at work all day (shoutout to retail life), I'm now kind of freaked out. Should we be worried about the long-term effects of touching them, or is this another TikTok conspiracy? – Jodie, 34, Wollongong NSW ANSWER: Hi Jodie, Good news – for once, TikTok has stumbled onto some real science. Thermal receipts – those shiny ones that fade faster than a politician's promise – often contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or its chemical sibling, BPS. These compounds are used in thermal printing to create text without ink. But here's the rub: both are known endocrine disrupters, meaning they can interfere with your hormones, especially estrogen (National Health and Medical Research Council, 2020). Advertisement What's more worrying is that BPA can be absorbed through the skin. A 2014 study in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people who handled receipts frequently – particularly with moisturised or greasy hands – absorbed measurable amounts of BPA. Another Australian study confirmed that regular skin contact can lead to significant exposure. Now, don't panic and start wrapping your hands in cling wrap. Most of the alarming research involves high-dose exposure, usually in industrial settings or lab environments. But for retail and hospitality workers handling receipts every day, the cumulative effect is something to take seriously. So how can you protect yourself without quitting your job or demanding a full PPE kit? Chemicals on store receipts often contain chemicals that can disrupt your hormones, according to Dr. Zac Turner. Vladimir Razgulyaev – 1. Wash your hands — and skip the wipes Advertisement Regular soap and water is more effective than antibacterial wipes when it comes to removing BPA residue. Easy, quick, and no need to buy anything fancy. 2. Keep your hands away from your face BPA doesn't need an invitation to hop from your fingertips to your mouth or eyes. Less contact, less risk. BPA chemicals can be absorbed through the skin. ViDi Studio – 3. Wear gloves if you're pregnant or working full-time with receipts Especially in busy environments where they're flying out like confetti. Disposable gloves can make a real difference — and no, they don't make you look ridiculous. 4. Go digital Advertisement If you're the customer, skip the paper. Most retailers now offer email or text receipts. It's cleaner, safer, and you'll stop collecting receipts for things you returned two months ago. 5. Don't be fooled by 'BPA-free' Many retailers have switched to BPS-coated paper instead. But early research suggests BPS may be just as hormonally active – possibly worse in some cases. So it's a bit like replacing cigarettes with cigars and calling it progress. Ultimately, we need broader changes – better regulation and safer materials. France banned BPA receipts in 2019. Australia's not there yet, but retail workers like you raising concerns is how change starts. Advertisement So yes, Jodie, your instincts were right. This isn't conspiracy – it's chemistry. And when it comes to protecting your hormones, even small changes count. Stay sharp, Dr Zac
Hans India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
A toxic trigger: How plastics may be fuelling cancer
Bhubaneswar: In today's fast-paced world, plastics have become a part of our daily lives. From water bottles to baby feeding bottles, from food containers to grocery packaging -- plastic is everywhere. But hidden inside this convenience is a serious health threat that few are aware of -- Bisphenol A (BPA). What is BPA and Why Should You Care? Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is a chemical used in the production of certain types of plastic and resins. It is found in plastic water bottles and food containers, linings of canned foods and beverages, baby feeding bottles, thermal paper receipts, packaging materials, even some medical and dental devices. Why is BPA a concern? Because it behaves like estrogen — a hormone in our body — and disrupts the normal functioning of our endocrine (hormone) system. For this reason, BPA is called an 'endocrine disruptor'. How Does BPA Affect Our Health? Scientific studies have shown that BPA exposure may lead to a variety of health problems, including hormone-related cancers like breast and prostate cancer, infertility in both men and women, early puberty in girls, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, thyroid issues, brain and behaviour problems in children Even tiny amounts of BPA, when accumulated over time, can pose serious risks to our long-term health, especially for babies, children and pregnant women. Out of all these, the major concern is rising incidence of female breast cancer. As per recent statistics, it tops the chart of all cancers for women in India and in Odisha the threat is nothing less than ominous. The link between BPA and female breast cancer Since breast cancer tops the chart among females in India, the causative factors need to be discussed from plastics point of view. Even if there are many factors that are made responsible, no single factor can be pinned as the primary cause rather it is a complex interplay of factors that lead to continuously elevated estrogen level in the blood. Between 1990 and 2016, the age-standardised incidence rate of breast cancer among Indian women increased by approximately 39.1 per cent. This rise was observed across all States. In Mumbai, data from the Population-Based Cancer Registry indicated a significant increase in breast cancer incidence among older women (aged 50-74 years) from 1976 to 2005, with an estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of 1.6 per cent. Younger women (aged 25-49 years) also saw a notable rise, with an EAPC of 1.0 per cent. If we go by observation of plastic use and rise in female breast cancer incidence, roughly the timeline coincides too. Per capita plastic consumption rose from around 1 kg in the 1970s to approximately 13.6 kg by 2018, and further to about 15 kg by 2023. Plastic use has increased to almost 20 to 30-fold since 1970s due to urbanisation, industrialisation and industrial growth. How You Can Protect Yourself and Your Family: • Stop reusing plastic water bottles, especially if they are scratched or old. • Never pour hot liquids into polythene bags. Use stainless steel or glass instead. • Don't microwave food in regular plastic containers. Use BPA-free labelled containers only. • Check labels on baby bottles and switch to BPA-free alternatives, preferably steel or glass ones. • Avoid bottled water stored in sunlight, like those left in vehicles. • Prefer fresh food over canned food to reduce BPA exposure.
