BPA on Cash Register Receipts?

                           BPA On Cash Register Receipts?                                    

Recent studies show that cash register receipts contain a high concentration of BPA, a known toxin. That makes this dangerous plasticizer much more available for human exposure due to the sheer volume of these receipts in our daily lives.

Many of us know of BPA (Bisphenol A) as a dangerous ingredient in baby bottles and liquid infant formula. It is an estrogen mimicking compound that causes hormonal changes in humans. BPA can potentially lead to serious issues like premature puberty, breast cancer, prostate cancer, BPH and more.

Now a study published in Environmental Science and Technology shows that we are heavily exposed to BPA every time we touch a thermal paper cash register receipt.

Paper currencies from 21 countries were analyzed for the presence of BPA and the chemical was detected in every sample.

Also measured was the transfer of BPA from cash register receipts to currency which they placed together in a wallet for 24 hours. This showed a significant increase in the concentrations of BPA on the money, which shows that receipts are extremely contaminated.

Another study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found BPA on 40% of receipts from gas stations, groceries and other retailers.

According to EWG, “the total mass of BPA on a receipt is 250 to 1000 times greater than the amount of BPA typically found in a can of food or a can of baby formula.

Holding the receipt for 5 seconds is enough to transfer BPA. If the fingers are wet or greasy, that amount increases by 10 times.

What should you do to avoid this BPA exposure?

1. Avoid handling any paper receipts. We now carry a small pouch when shopping and ask the clerk to deposit the receipt directly into the pouch.

2. Wash your hands after handing any receipts or paper money

3. Store receipts away from your paper money.

Our concern is also for people who work around these receipts all day and every day. Most don’t realize the dangers of these receipts and the toxic load of BPA they could be absorbing.

How do we protect ourselves from BPA and other environmental toxins?

Most of us are aware that our bodies have a high burden of toxins from the polluted world we live in. Here are some tips:

1. It is important to cleanse the body with a colon cleanse yearly, under a doctor’s supervision.

2. Other medical doctors writing on this topic suggest a high quality probiotic, homemade fermented vegetables, raw grass-fed organic kefir or Kimchi.

3. Dr. Chi in his book, “Dr. Chi’s Herbal Formulas, Second Edition” suggests Bathdetox, Veinlite and Asparagus Extract to rid the body of toxins.

4. Most importantly, in that same article, Dr. Chi recommends Myomin to combat the effects of these pseudo estrogens.

Jan Fowler is an author and student of alternative medicine.