Why Thermal Paper Might Be the Most Toxic Thing in Your Bag

Ever grabbed a receipt without a second thought?

Maybe it was at Tesco after your weekly shop, or maybe you popped into the corner shop for a pint of milk. Most of us don’t even glance at that warm, curly bit of paper before stuffing it in a bag or pocket. But here’s a surprising truth: your receipt might be leaving behind more than just a record of your groceries.

Many thermal paper receipts are coated with chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) or its cousin BPS (Bisphenol S)—substances known to interfere with your hormones. If you’re trying to cut out toxins, reduce endocrine disruptors, or protect your family’s health, those little slips could be undermining your efforts.

In this post, we’ll unpack what’s really hiding in that harmless-looking paper, how it gets into your body, what science says about the risks, and what you can do today to protect yourself. No drama, just facts with a good dose of natural wellness wisdom.

What’s in a Receipt?

Not Just Paper: The Thermal Printing Secret

Receipts from most shops, ATMs, and self-checkout tills are made from thermal paper, which doesn’t need ink. Instead, it uses a heat-sensitive coating that reacts to the printer’s heat to form text.

Here’s the kicker: That coating often contains BPA or BPS.

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a synthetic chemical once widely used in plastics, baby bottles, food can linings—and yes, receipts. After a public outcry about its hormone-disrupting effects, many manufacturers replaced BPA with BPS (Bisphenol S).

But both BPA and BPS belong to a group called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These mimic the body’s hormones (especially estrogen), and even tiny exposures can interfere with your natural hormone balance.

Looks harmless, doesn’t it? But many receipts have no label to warn you about BPA or BPS. You’d never know just by looking.

How It Gets Into Your Body

You Don’t Need to Eat It to Absorb It

Unlike most toxins, BPA and BPS don’t need to be swallowed to affect you. Simply handling thermal paper can be enough for these chemicals to pass through your skin.

And if your hands are damp, oily, or recently cleaned with hand sanitiser? Absorption skyrockets.

A study by Hormann et al. (2014) found that people who handled receipts after using hand sanitiser absorbed up to 100 times more BPA than those with dry hands¹.

Did you know… BPA can enter your bloodstream just minutes after touching a receipt?

This is especially worrying if you’re a cashier or frequently handle receipts, or if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kids with you who might crumple and play with them.

Health Risks of BPA and BPS

a. Hormonal Disruption

BPA and BPS mimic estrogen—the primary female hormone—which can throw off your body’s natural balance. This isn’t just a women’s health issue. Men and children are affected too.

• In men, excess estrogen-like compounds can lower testosterone and affect mood or fertility.
• In women, hormone mimics can lead to irregular cycles and PMS.

b. Reproductive Issues

Exposure to BPA and BPS has been linked to:

• Reduced sperm quality and testicular development problems in men
• Disrupted ovulation and lower fertility in women

Animal studies show changes in reproductive organs with even low-level BPA exposure, especially when exposure happens during pregnancy.

c. Developmental Risks in Children

Young bodies are still growing—which means they’re more vulnerable to endocrine disruptors.

Research by Braun et al. (2009) linked higher BPA levels in mothers to hyperactivity and behavioural problems in their children².

Other studies suggest potential links to:

• Learning difficulties
• Attention disorders
• Disrupted brain development

d. Cancer and Chronic Diseases

Chronic exposure to BPA/BPS has been associated with:

• Breast and prostate cancers
• Type 2 diabetes and obesity
• Cardiovascular disease

Melzer et al. (2012) found a strong connection between BPA in urine and heart disease in adults³. Think about that the next time you hold a till receipt for a split second.

e. BPS Is Not Safer

BPA-free doesn’t mean safe—it often means BPS.

A 2015 study by Eladak et al. published in Fertility and Sterility showed that BPS may be just as hormonally active as BPA and possibly more persistent in the environment and human tissues⁴.

In short, replacing one problematic chemical with another doesn’t solve the issue—it just hides it.

What Science Says

Let’s revisit the science:

• Hand sanitiser + receipt = BPA overload¹
• Prenatal BPA = Child behavioural issues²
• BPA in urine = Higher heart disease risk³
• BPS = Not a safe alternative⁴

Tiny amounts matter. Hormones work in parts-per-billion. Even micro-exposures can disrupt biological functions.

This is why many scientists now urge a precautionary approach: avoid exposure wherever possible.

Why BPA-Free Isn’t Always Safe

You’ve probably seen packaging proudly labelled “BPA-free”. That’s good marketing.

But the replacements like BPS (Bisphenol S) and BPF (Bisphenol F) are often just as bad.

• They mimic estrogen
• They resist breakdown in your body
• They affect the same hormone pathways

Same suit, different villain.

So when it comes to receipts? BPA-free isn’t your green light. It’s time to question thermal paper altogether.

What You Can Do

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to live in fear of receipts. A few mindful changes can make a big difference.

• Refuse Receipts When You Can
  • Politely decline unnecessary paper ones
  • Choose digital versions via email or SMS

• Don’t Handle After Using Sanitiser
  • Wait until your hands are completely dry
  • Especially important for parents, pregnant women, or cashiers

• Wash Hands Promptly
  • Keep them out of children’s reach
  • Wash with soap after handling receipts

• Store Receipts Separately
  • Use a designated envelope or zip pouch
  • Don’t let them touch food, wallets, or lip balms

Spread the Word

• Talk to cashiers and store managers
• Let your friends know about BPA/BPS risks
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, be extra cautious

Tip: Ask your favourite shop to offer digital receipt options. Change starts with conversation.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to overlook the everyday exposures—like the humble receipt. But living naturally isn’t just about what you eat or apply. It’s also about what you touch.

Small actions = big wellness wins.

We’re not here to make you paranoid, just informed. Awareness leads to habits, and habits lead to lasting health.

At Quidian Naturals, we believe nature has answers—but it also starts with asking the right questions.

✨ Download our free Natural Wellness Starter Guide to learn more about reducing everyday toxins, building resilience, and protecting your peace.

Stay curious, stay conscious.