- Bisphenol A (BPA): Why we should be concerned.. Archived Message
Posted by Gerard
on March 6, 2023, 5:09 pm
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"Receipts and bisphenols Bisphenol A, or BPA, is one of the most recognisable names in our modern arsenal of synthetic chemicals. Its normally associated with plastic reusable water bottles, where stickers invite us to buy ‘BPA-free’ as a ‘healthy’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ option. The irony is that in touching the receipt for our purchase we’re likely to be exposed to the very substance we were trying to avoid. This is because BPA is a common active ingredient in the thermal paper used to make receipts and tickets. Thermal paper can contain significantly more BPA [1] than the trace levels found in plastic water bottles. BPA can be absorbed directly through the skin. BPA can be released during production of the paper, and recycling receipts can contaminate our waste stream, meaning BPA is also found in recycled paper products. Why are we concerned about BPA? BPA has been a hotly contested chemical for many years now. It’s a known endocrine disruptor, which means it can interfere with our hormones. Despite this, it has a myriad of other uses: as a raw material for hard polycarbonate plastic, as additives in other plastics such as PVC, as well as for thermal paper. It’s one of the highest production volume chemicals in the world, with around [8 million tonnes produced annually 2]. As a direct result this chemical is widespread in our environment and in our bodies. Over 90% of humans tested have been found to have BPA in their bloodstream according to multiple studies [3]. So, is BPA safe? The recommendations from authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), are that the chemical is safe to humans, on the assumption that most of us are only exposed to very small doses. Many independent laboratory studies, however, indicate that BPA can affect human cells and animals even at very low levels of exposure, and the chemical has been linked to a whole host of medical problems including obesity, diabetes [4] and [breast cancer 5]. EFSA is in the process of re-evaluating their 2015 conclusion on health impacts. In the meantime, ongoing concern is reflected in regulation. Many countries have banned the use of BPA in baby’s bottles to protect young children from potential hormone-disrupting effects. The use of BPA in receipts will also be banned across the EU, though this legislation will not come into force until 2020 (and potentially after Brexit). This measure has been put in place specifically to protect the unborn children of pregnant shop workers, who are handling receipts for hours and days at a time leading to comparatively high exposure levels [6]. And what about environmental impacts? We know that aquatic species are already being affected by concentrations found in water globally [7]. Fish have been shown to pass on impacts from BPA exposure to their offspring. BPA has been shown to interfere with gender determination in reptiles, that can cause turtles to be born that are unable to reproduce. Combine this with the broad environmental impacts of paper production and it’s a pretty damning case for the unwanted receipt. An A-Z of regrettable substitution If a ban on BPA in receipts is just around the corner, why are we focusing on them? Unfortunately, the story does not end at a BPA ban. On the hunt for alternatives to this controversial chemical, other bisphenols such as BPS, BPF and even BPZ are being used to substitute a variety of uses of BPA. BPS is the cheapest, and most common substitute for thermal paper, and its use in receipts is growing. However, a similar structure often means these substances will behave in a similar way within the environment and our bodies. Although many of these alternatives are less well studied, new tests show these alternatives may have similar, and in some cases more harmful effects than BPA itself [8]. Many NGOs are calling for a change in the way we legislate on chemicals, to avoid this kind of harmful substitution. Groups such as the ChemTrust call for chemicals to be legislated as structurally similar groups, putting responsibility onto industry to prove a chemical is safe. The ChemTrust’s ‘Toxic Soup’ report highlights how important this is in the case of bisphenols. Dr Anna Watson, Head of Advocacy at CHEM Trust said: “BPA is well known to have endocrine disrupting properties, and it is worrying that a number of the other bisphenols are also being found to have similar hazardous properties. We need the regulators to phase out* *groups of chemicals of concern, such as the bisphenols, rather than slowly restricting one chemical at a time, which allows companies to move from one harmful chemical to another. We fully support FIDRA ’s campaign calling on the industry to end the use of bisphenols in till receipts to protect people *and the environment from these hazardous chemicals." https://www.fidra.org.uk/news/beat-the-receipt/ "If you haven’t heard yet that the chemical BPA in cash register receipts and credit/debit machines can be a health risk, you might want to know a few facts. New research shows that this chemical, which is a known endocrine disruptor, can be absorbed through your skin. Bisphenol A (BPA) has been banned for use in baby bottles and sippy cups. Some manufacturers have also removed it from water bottles and food containers. However, the thermal paper used for cash register and other receipts is another common source of BPA. Handling the paper leads to increased levels of the chemical in our bodies because it rubs off easily. “There’s more BPA in a single thermal paper receipt than the total amount that would leach out from a polycarbonate water bottle used for many years,” said John Warner, Ph.D., president of the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry. Research has linked BPA to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancers, cardiovascular disease, and reproductive and brain development abnormalities. Because it mimics the biological activity of estrogen, developing children face the greatest risks from BPA. A chronically high estrogen level disrupts the male and female reproductive and endocrine systems. BPA has been found in well over 90 percent of American adults and children. High levels are associated with altered thyroid function, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, impaired liver and kidney function, inflammation, hyperactivity, and impaired learning. In men, such levels have been linked to reduced libido, lower sperm quality, and altered sex-hormone concentrations. And in women, these levels have been tied to reproductive effects such as polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, miscarriage, premature delivery, and an increased risk of breast cancer. Women may be especially vulnerable to the BPA in receipts. Even if you’re not a cashier, you still may be getting more BPA exposure than you realize because thermal paper is used in so many receipts we handle – everything from airline boarding passes and luggage tags, to trains, movies, sporting events and amusement parks tickets, even labels on prescription bottles or packaged deli meats or cheeses. Here’s a quick test to tell you if the paper you’re handling is the thermal type containing BPA: scratch the printed side of the paper. If you see a dark mark, the paper is thermal. While some manufacturers make “BPA free” thermal paper, they often use a similar chemical (BPS), which also may pose health hazards similar to BPA. Both are easily transferred to skin. These bisphenols are easily absorbed through the skin because skin the molecule is smaller than estradiol — a natural estrogen — that is sometimes delivered by a skin patch. So what should you do to reduce your exposure? Be aware that thermal paper discolors easily when scratched with a coin or paperclip. Don’t accept receipts whenever possible. Go with a paperless receipt via email or text message. This is an increasingly available option at many retailers. If you must handle a receipt, try to touch only the nonglossy backside. It contains much less BPA. Carefully store receipts. If you absolutely need a receipt, place it in an envelope. Its BPA will rub off on everything: your hands, pocket, wallet, or purse, even the folding money in your wallet. Quickly wash your hands after touching a receipt. Scrub with soap and water. If you wait longer than four minutes, it’s too late. Wear latex gloves if your job requires the frequent handling of receipts. Don’t use a hand sanitizer after touching a possible thermal receipt. In a recent experiment, Dr. vom Saal and his team demonstrated that BPA levels went up to 185 times higher, “an absolute monster effect,” after the use of skin products such as hand sanitizers, sunscreens, and moisturizers. These products often contain chemicals called “dermal penetration enhancers” that break down the skin’s protective barrier to enhance delivery of the products’ active ingredients. To learn more, check out our Resources. Join our global coalition. Take the pledge – say “no” to single-use plastic." https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2016/12/23/is-bpa-on-thermal-paper-a-health-hazard |
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