---
title: "Cash Register Receipts: A Hidden Source of BPA"
date: 2013-06-12T22:02:23Z
modified: 2013-06-12T22:02:23Z
permalink: "https://elizabethyarnell.com/cash-register-receipts-a-hidden-source-of-bpa/"
type: post
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 3306
categories:
  - Living Naturally
tags:
  - BPA
  - credit card transaction receipts
  - register receipts
  - toxic exposure
author: Elizabeth
---

Maybe you’re already trying to limit your exposure to the toxic chemical BPA by choosing BPA-free water bottles and food containers, but did you know that the ink on those ubiquitous strips of [thermal receipt paper from cash and credit card transactions may contain BPA](http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/avoid-bpa-exposure-from-cash-register-receipts.htm "BPA on receipts")?![](http://www.isagenixhealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/iStock_000012611805XSmall.jpg)

Yep, that means every time you touch a receipt, you get [Bisphenol-A](http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/phaseout-bpa-movement.html) (BPA) on your hands. The toxin can then be absorbed through your skin or passed onto the food you eat.

According to a [Environmental Working Group](http://www.ewg.org) (EWG) [research report](http://www.ewg.org/bpa-in-store-receipts), almost half of all receipts contain BPA.

# How can you limit your exposure to BPA from register receipts?

1. Turn down the receipt. Use your credit card to track purchases instead.
2. When receipts must be saved, keep them in a dedicated place that’s not inside a food bag or in your wallet.
3. Don’t let receipts touch food that you eat raw. Of course, you should wash any food that is eaten raw before you eat it.
4. Wash your hands after handling any receipts.