Latest news with #MihirVohra
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Holding paper receipts for just 10 seconds can pose health risks, researchers warn
Health researchers are sounding the alarm about an endocrine disruptor commonly found in paper receipts – and they say it doesn't take long for your hands to absorb the chemical. In an Apr. 14 statement, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced a notice of violation for 32 retailers that allegedly had high levels of Bisphenol S (BPS) in their receipts. In the official notice of violation on April 11, the companies named dozens of national corporations. Men's Multivitamins Recalled Due To Undeclared Allergen: Fda The organization described Bisphenol S (BPS) as the "lesser-known but harmful chemical cousin to BPA in receipt paper," and described the organic compound as "hormone-disrupting." "BPS, like [Bisphenol A] … mimics estrogen and can disrupt the normal functioning of the body, including metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction," the statement said. Read On The Fox News App "Studies show that BPS can be absorbed through skin when handling receipt paper – even for short periods." This Odd Dental Habit Could Spark Heart Health Risks, Experts Warn The statement claimed that holding a BPS-laced receipt for just 10 seconds could have serious health consequences. "Based on these studies and testing by an independent lab, the concentrations were so high that touching only one receipt with BPS for 10 seconds resulted in exposure above the safe harbor level, which requires a clear and reasonable warning to consumers," CEH Science Lead Mihir Vohra said in the press release. CEH stated that a lawsuit will be filed against the alleged violators unless they agree to "provide clear and reasonable warnings" to consumers or "reformulate such products to eliminate the BPS exposures." The retailers will also have to pay an "appropriate civil penalty." The organization advised consumers to decline paper receipts whenever possible. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "Store workers who must handle receipts should wear gloves if possible or avoid using alcohol-based hand cleaners before handling a receipt, because it can significantly increase the absorption of BPS," said CEH Senior Director Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon in the release. "Receipts are made from thermal paper, which shouldn't be recycled because they contain bisphenols like BPA and BPS, which can contaminate the recycling stream and pose health and environmental risks." Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel noted that digital receipts are more prevalent than ever. "We are definitely moving in the direction of digital receipts anyway," the medical expert told Fox News Digital. Siegel also noted that many Americans are exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) without noticing it – for example, it can commonly be found on smartphone cases, despite not being found on iPhones. For more Health articles, visit More research needs to be done on the impact of "forever chemicals" like BPS, the doctor suggested. "Forever chemicals are everywhere and there is a concern about fertility," Siegel cautioned. "We need to do a better job of documenting and limiting exposure." BPS has been scrutinized in recent years over its potential to adversely impact people's health. In 2021, German researchers found that the chemical compound could "seriously damage" human brains after studying its effects on the nerve cells of article source: Holding paper receipts for just 10 seconds can pose health risks, researchers warn
Fox News
24-04-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Holding paper receipts for just 10 seconds can pose health risks, researchers warn
Health researchers are sounding the alarm about an endocrine disruptor commonly found in paper receipts – and they say it doesn't take long for your hands to absorb the chemical. In an Apr. 14 statement, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced a notice of violation for 32 retailers that allegedly had high levels of Bisphenol S (BPS) in their receipts. In the official notice of violation on April 11, the companies named dozens of national corporations. The organization described Bisphenol S (BPS) as the "lesser-known but harmful chemical cousin to BPA in receipt paper," and described the organic compound as "hormone-disrupting." "BPS, like [Bisphenol A] … mimics estrogen and can disrupt the normal functioning of the body, including metabolism, growth and development, and reproduction," the statement said. "Studies show that BPS can be absorbed through skin when handling receipt paper – even for short periods." The statement claimed that holding a BPS-laced receipt for just 10 seconds could have serious health consequences. "Based on these studies and testing by an independent lab, the concentrations were so high that touching only one receipt with BPS for 10 seconds resulted in exposure above the safe harbor level, which requires a clear and reasonable warning to consumers," CEH Science Lead Mihir Vohra said in the press release. CEH stated that a lawsuit will be filed against the alleged violators unless they agree to "provide clear and reasonable warnings" to consumers or "reformulate such products to eliminate the BPS exposures." The retailers will also have to pay an "appropriate civil penalty." The organization advised consumers to decline paper receipts whenever possible. "Store workers who must handle receipts should wear gloves if possible or avoid using alcohol-based hand cleaners before handling a receipt, because it can significantly increase the absorption of BPS," said CEH Senior Director Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon in the release. "Receipts are made from thermal paper, which shouldn't be recycled because they contain bisphenols like BPA and BPS, which can contaminate the recycling stream and pose health and environmental risks." Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel noted that digital receipts are more prevalent than ever. "We are definitely moving in the direction of digital receipts anyway," the medical expert told Fox News Digital. Siegel also noted that many Americans are exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) without noticing it – for example, it can commonly be found on smartphone cases, despite not being found on iPhones. For more Health articles, visit More research needs to be done on the impact of "forever chemicals" like BPS, the doctor suggested. "Forever chemicals are everywhere and there is a concern about fertility," Siegel cautioned. "We need to do a better job of documenting and limiting exposure." BPS has been scrutinized in recent years over its potential to adversely impact people's health. In 2021, German researchers found that the chemical compound could "seriously damage" human brains after studying its effects on the nerve cells of goldfish.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New study reveals serious hidden risk of touching store receipts: 'Really eye-opening'
Ever held on to a shopping receipt while waiting for a server or juggling bags at checkout? As it turns out, that brief moment could have lasting consequences for your health — especially if you're doing it on a regular basis. A new study from the Center for Environmental Health has revealed that thermal paper receipts used by dozens of U.S. retailers contain dangerously high levels of bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues. While not yet as famous as the similar bisphenol A, aka BPA, the researchers said even touching a receipt with BPS for just 10 seconds can cause enough exposure to exceed California's cancer safety limits under Proposition 65. The Center for Environmental Health tested receipts from nearly 50 national chains — including Dollar General, Subway, Burger King, AMC Theatres, and Chanel — and found that they contained alarming concentrations of BPS. This chemical is used in thermal receipt paper to help ink appear when printed, but it doesn't just stay on the page. CEH also took legal action against 32 major retailers, with others including Crumbl and Gap stores, with a full list here, though the findings apply to any store that uses the same type of receipts. According to CEH science director Mihir Vohra, the research findings were "really eye-opening." "They really speak to just how high the concentrations of BPS are in these receipts," Vohra said. This discovery is especially troubling for cashiers and retail workers who handle hundreds of receipts every day. But even customers are at risk — think about how long you hold a receipt when reviewing your bill at a restaurant or signing a return. While many brands have phased out BPA — a chemical banned in food packaging in the EU — its close cousin BPS is still widely used, despite drawing allegations of being just as toxic. Research has connected BPS exposure to breast cancer, cognitive development issues, decreased sperm count, and other serious health problems. The problem isn't just the chemical itself — it's how easily it is absorbed. Unlike other forms of contact, BPS in thermal paper can transfer through your skin in mere seconds, building up quickly with repeated exposure. Do you worry about using cleaning products with harsh chemicals in them? All the time Sometimes Not really No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. CEH has issued violation notices to these companies, who now have 60 days to either add a warning or switch to safer alternatives. Failure to do either might result in facing legal action. This is pushing companies to switch to paper or clearly warn customers about potential harm. Washington is leading the way as the first state to take action to remove hormone-disrupting chemicals from receipt paper. The state banned bisphenols as a class in receipt paper under the Safer Products for Washington law, effective from January 2026. In the meantime, there are simple ways to reduce exposure like opting for digital or email receipts instead. For retail workers, wearing gloves or washing hands frequently after handling receipts can help in a big way as well. Every small action helps. Choosing safer options not only protects your health but also encourages retailers to make cleaner, healthier changes for everyone. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
You Might Not Want to Touch Receipts After Seeing This Horrifying Research
Think twice before saying yes to that receipt. According to new research from the Center for Environmental Health, the tiny paper documents used by major US retailers contain alarmingly high levels of Bisphenol S (BPS), an industrial chemical used in plastics manufacturing — high enough to be dangerous even in the brief period it takes you to stuff one into your pocket. "The concentrations were so high that touching only one receipt with BPS for 10 seconds resulted in exposure above the safe harbor level which requires a clear and reasonable warning to consumers," Mihir Vohra, science lead at CEH, said in a statement about the findings. Citing tests conducted by an independent lab and the latest literature on the subject, the CEH has taken legal action by sending violation notices to around 50 companies found to have BPS-laden receipts with concentrations violating California's Proposition 65 limits, The Guardian reports. Some of the most notable brands include Burger King, Walmart, Dollar General and AMC Theaters. "[The findings were] really eye-opening for us," Vohra told the Guardian. "They really speak to just how high the concentrations of BPS are in these receipts." Bisphenols are a group of chemicals used to manufacture commonplace consumer goods, ranging from food packaging to clothing to electronics. In recent decades, however, some research has suggested that exposure to a variant known as Bisphenol A (BPA) is linked to a number of troubling health outcomes, including breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, and even premature death. And virtually everyone may be exposed to a significant degree: a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2013 and 2014 found detectable levels of BPAs in 95.7 percent of urine samples. While the US Food and Drug and Administration still considers BPAs to be safe, European Union regulators have recently banned using BPA in products that come into contact with food. In response to the uncertainty around the safety of BPA, which many manufacturers are phasing out, BPS has been touted as its safer replacement — but that may not be the case. Emerging literature has linked BPS to similar toxic effects: it may increase the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and cause damage to the reproductive system. In December 2023, California listed BPS as a substance that causes reproductive issues. Under Proposition 65, also known the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, the move forces businesses to either drop the chemical from their products or to provide a warning to customers about the presence of BPS within one year. That year has elapsed. By calling out the BPS levels in the receipts — where it's used as a coating for the thermal paper the documents are printed on — the CEH is pressuring businesses to comply with the demands within 60 days. If they don't play ball, the nonprofit can sue. In the meantime, the CEH advises customers to decline printed receipts. But the biggest danger, it notes, is for the cashiers that handle them daily. "Store workers who must handle receipts should wear gloves if possible or avoid using alcohol-based hand cleaners before handling a receipt because it can significantly increase the absorption of BPS," said Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, senior director of the CEH's Toxic Exposures and Pollution Prevent Program, said in the statement. More on plastics: Doctors Say They've Found a Way to Clean the Microplastics Out of Your Body
The Guardian
14-04-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
High levels of toxic chemicals found in paper receipts used by US retailers
Paper receipts from major retailers in the US are so laden with bisphenol S that holding one for 10 seconds can cause the skin to absorb enough of the highly toxic chemical to violate California's safety threshold, new research has found. The findings are being used as evidence in legal action aimed at pressuring retailers to stop using receipt paper treated with bisphenol S, or BPS, which is linked to cancer and reproductive problems. The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) non-profit has sent violation notices to about 50 major retailers alerting them to the exceedance of California's Proposition 65 limits for BPS. Among the companies to which notices were sent for the allegedly illegal levels of BPS in their receipts are Burger King, Chanel, Dollar General, AMC Theaters, GameStop, Subway, Foot Locker and Ace Hardware. '[The findings were] really eye-opening for us,' Mihir Vohra, science lead at the CEH, said. 'They really speak to just how high the concentrations of BPS are in these receipts.' Bisphenol is a class of chemicals used in a wide range of consumer products, such as food packaging, fabrics, toys and cookware. Regulators have largely focused on bisphenol A (BPA), which is banned in Europe for food uses because it is so toxic. Many companies have phased out BPA's use and food companies often advertise when their packaging is BPA free. But recent research has found BPS, the alternative largely used in place of BPA, to be just as toxic. It's linked to hormone disruption, cognitive damage, decreased sperm count, breast cancer and other health issues. Previous research has found it can be absorbed by the skin, and CEH's new study shows how high the risk is just for brief exposures while holding a receipt. The findings are particularly concerning for cashiers and people working in retail who may handle many receipts throughout the day. The CEH also noted that people in restaurants often hold receipts for a long period of time while looking at a bill or waiting for service. The chemicals are added as a coating to thermal paper to help ink develop. Some alternatives exist, but many are also toxic, and the non-profit is urging companies to use something safe to avoid 'playing Whac-a-Mole' with dangerous chemicals, said Kizzy Charles-Guzman, the CEH's executive director. Some paper is treated with vitamin C, but the receipts aren't as bright. The violation notices give companies 60 days to respond. They will either have to switch to paper that does not include BPS or affix a warning to the products. That could potentially include a sign near a cash register that alerts consumers to the receipts' toxicity. If companies don't respond within 60 days, the CEH can sue in California state court under Proposition 65 and ask a judge to order companies to use an alternative or provide a warning. People can protect themselves by not taking a receipt or asking for an email receipt.
