Warning: Do not touch grocery receipts for more than 10 seconds

Prof. Dr. Leonardo Trasande from New York University Langone Health Center stated that receipts used in many stores and markets are made of thermal paper, and that these papers are plastic-based and have chemical coatings. “These receipts, which seem innocent with their shiny surfaces, actually contain toxins that can be absorbed through the skin,” said Trasande, emphasizing that these substances can cause health problems ranging from hormonal disorders to cancer.

Can Cause Cancer and Infertility Thermal receipts are a special type of paper printed with heat-sensitive inks. However, their low cost brings with it a great health risk. In particular, substances such as bisphenol-A (BPA) and its substitute bisphenol-S (BPS) affect the endocrine system and are associated with cardiovascular diseases, infertility and some types of cancer.

The European Union has banned the use of BPS in food packaging, while the US state of California classifies the chemical as a reproductive health hazard. A study conducted by the Center for Environmental Health in 2024 analyzed 32 receipts collected from chain stores and found that the chemical passed through levels exceeding the legal health warning limit with just 10 seconds of contact.

Plastic Coating Turns Into Microplastics According to the news compiled by T24, the risks of thermal plugs are not limited to chemicals. The plastic coating on them breaks down over time and turns into micro and nanoplastics. These particles have been detected in many tissues, especially the brain, blood vessels and digestive system. Experts warn that these substances can cause chronic inflammation, heart disease, fertility problems and cancer in the long term.

Experts Call for Digital Receipts Prof. Dr. Trasande states that switching to digital receipt applications can be an important measure at the individual level. Receiving receipts via e-receipt, SMS or e-mail can significantly reduce exposure to such chemicals. However, the expert emphasized that a permanent solution would be possible by limiting plastic production on a global scale, and stated that decisive steps should be taken in this regard.

UN Plastics Agreement on the Way According to data from the United Nations Environment Program, if the current pace continues, global plastic production is expected to triple by 2060. In line with this prediction, the United Nations is on the agenda to sit down at the negotiating table again for the global plastics agreement.