Certain Receipts Contain Persistent Pollutants: An Explanation of 'Forever Chemicals'
In the realm of consumer products, a growing concern has arisen regarding the chemicals found in thermal till receipts. One such chemical, Bisphenol S (BPS), has been making headlines for its potential health risks.
BPS, a common substitute for Bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal till receipts, is an endocrine disruptor. This means it can interfere with certain hormones in our bodies, similar to BPA. Exposure to BPS has been linked to various health risks, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and reproductive harms such as birth defects and other reproductive damage.
Despite these concerns, BPS is not currently banned in the UK. In contrast, California has added BPS to its Proposition 65 list as a chemical known to cause reproductive harm, requiring warnings on products with significant exposure starting from January 2025.
It's important to note that BPA, not BPS, has been banned in the UK. This means that while BPA receipts are off the market, BPS receipts continue to be used.
BPA, a common chemical found in consumer products such as plastic water bottles and canned food, is usually broken down by our bodies and passed through urine. However, BPS does not degrade easily in the human body, leading to accumulation concerns.
As users handling thermal receipts, it's crucial to be aware of potential exposure routes and health implications. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of BPS, it's prudent to err on the side of caution. If there's any doubt, it's advised to leave the thermal till receipt, as it will likely end up in the bin.
This article aims to address the question about receipts being covered in harmful chemicals. However, it does not provide information on the chemical composition of receipts beyond BPS. The term 'forever chemicals' is used to refer to certain persistent pollutants, not specifically BPAs or BPS.
If you have any questions about this topic or any other science-related queries, feel free to submit them to our website, Facebook, or Instagram. For instance, Calum Torres from Norwich asked, "Are receipts really covered in chemicals?" Stay tuned for more mind-blowing science facts on our ultimate fun facts page.
References:
[1] Environmental Defense Fund. (2021). Bisphenol S (BPS). Retrieved from https://www.edf.org/chemicals/bisphenol-s-bps
[2] California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. (2023). Proposition 65 List of Chemicals. Retrieved from https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposed-list-chemicals
[3] European Chemicals Agency. (2022). Bisphenol S (BPS). Retrieved from https://echa.europa.eu/information-on-chemicals/bisphenol-s-bps
[4] California Department of Toxic Substances Control. (2023). Proposition 65 Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/regulations
- The environmental concern over chemicals in consumer products extends beyond BPA to Bisphenol S (BPS), a substitute found in thermal till receipts, as BPS does not degrade easily in the human body, leading to accumulation concerns.
- In light of potential health risks associated with BPS, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and reproductive harms, it is recommended that users handling thermal receipts be aware of potential exposure routes and health implications, while more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of BPS.
- As advancements in science and health-and-wellness continue, it is essential to address concerns over environmental science issues, like the presence of BPS in thermal till receipts, to promote a safer and healthier environment for all.
