Studies confirm risk to human health

Studies conducted globally on the presence of BPA in thermal paper, and its impact on human health, have showed alarming results.

A study conducted by Shelley Ehrlich et al at Harvard University of Public Health, in 2015, found increase in BPA concentration in the urine of those handling bill receipts printed on thermal paper, for two

AS TONS OF SUCH receipts are being dumped in the environment, high amounts of hormone disruptors are being deposited in the environment.

hours continuously, without wearing gloves, but no increase in BPA levels in those using gloves.

A study by Annette M. Hormann et al at the University of Missouri, in 2014, concluded that elevated levels of BPA were observed in the blood serum of those just holding thermal paper.

In 2013, researchers from Kannur University in Kerala, India, analysed thermal paper used at local automated teller machines in India to detect the presence of BPA and the capability of the paper to produce oestrogen in those exposed to it. The results of the study indicated that these papers can produce hormonal effect on the system.

The research study also stated that as tons of such receipts are being dumped in the environment, high amounts of hormone disruptors are being deposited in the environment.

Another experiment carried out in France by Zalko D. et al, in 2010, with viable skin models demonstrated extensive uptake and biotransformation of BPA following its absorption in the skin.