Concentration of bisphenol A in thermal paper
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Bench analytical chemistry testing paper samples (Level 5 by design analogy, non-clinical CEBM).
OpenAlex W2022118247 · doi:10.1080/17518253.2010.502908
What was done
Ten blank cash register receipts were collected from commercial businesses in suburban Boston. Bisphenol A (BPA) was extracted from the paper and quantified using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID).
What was found
BPA concentrations varied widely across receipts: in some samples BPA was not detected, whereas in others it reached up to 19 mg in a 12-inch-long receipt.
Why it matters
This study shows that common thermal receipt paper can contain milligram quantities of BPA, identifying cash register receipts as a widespread potential source of consumer and occupational exposure.
Limits
The sample size was very small (n = 10 receipts) and sampled exclusively from suburban Boston. The study did not measure dermal transfer rates, absorption into human tissue, or associated health outcomes.
Cited by
- supports Thermal paper receipts are coated with bisphenol A (BPA) to facilitate printing.