Stop touching your shopping receipts! Scientists warn of toxic chemicals in thermal paper

That little slip of paper you get after buying groceries or filling up your tank may seem harmless. But experts say thermal paper receipts, the shiny bills that do not use ink, could be silently exposing you to harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional paper, thermal receipts are coated with compounds that react to heat, making printing quick and cheap. Convenient for shops, yes, but not so safe for you. Here is why: most thermal paper receipts contain bisphenol A (BPA) or its chemical cousin bisphenol S (BPS). These substances are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with your hormones. According to a 2021 study published in Environmental Science & Technology , frequent handling of thermal receipts can cause BPA to seep into the body through skin contact. The risks are parti