Why Digital Receipts Are a Necessity in Avoiding Poisonous Chemicals in Thermal Paper

A new study by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) under California's Proposition 65 has revealed considerable health risks of traditional paper receipts, more specifically thermal paper lined with Bisphenol S (BPS). Paper receipts seem to be innocuous at first glance, but the reality is that these everyday items present invisible dangers through chemical contact.

Bisphenol S, commonly known as BPS, is widely used as a coating on thermal receipt paper to facilitate printing without ink. Alarmingly, this chemical is absorbed through the skin and can enter the body when hands touch mouths or food following receipt handling. The CEH has specifically identified some big national retailers, including well-known brands McDonald's, Taco Bell, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, FedEx, and The Kroger Co., that continue to use thermal receipt paper with BPS. These companies have been identified for failing to provide conspicuous warnings to consumers about the hazards of handling such receipts, with exposure incidents dating back to at least December 29, 2024.

BPS became popular as a replacement for Bisphenol A (BPA), which is another very controversial chemical famous for its health risks. Current studies, however, indicate that BPS can have similar, if not greater, health risks. BPS is an endocrine disruptor, which means it interferes with the hormonal function of the body. Exposure to BPS has been linked with a variety of health conditions, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, developmental problems in children, and an increased risk for certain cancers.

Given the serious health issues raised by these new studies and notices, it's clear that both companies and consumers must rethink their use of thermal receipt paper. This shift isn't merely about compliance—it's about protecting consumers' health and well-being.

ReceiptHero offers a solid digital alternative to traditional receipts, providing an easy and green way of eliminating harmful chemical exposure altogether. In taking up digital receipts, businesses not only meet regulatory requirements but also demonstrate genuine commitment to consumer health and environmental sustainability.

Digital receipts provide several tangible benefits:

• Health Protection: Completely eliminating exposure to harmful chemicals like BPS.

• Environmental Sustainability: Significantly reducing paper waste, deforestation, and limiting pollution.

• Improved Customer Experience: Providing shoppers with secure, easily accessible records that are easily stored, managed, and retrieved.

Adopting digital receipts with ReceiptHero isn't a reactive measure—it's an active commitment to public health and environmental responsibility. Retailers embracing digital receipt technology not only minimize their legal and health exposure but also align themselves with increasing numbers of environmentally conscious consumers.

With CEH's warnings and the broader cultural trends towards healthier, safer consumer practices, the timing has never been more ideal for businesses to make the transition away from toxic thermal paper receipts.

Lead the way with ReceiptHero to a cleaner, healthier future. Make the switch to digital receipts today and take a valuable step towards protecting your customers, your business, and our planet.

Find out how ReceiptHero can seamlessly facilitate your transition to digital receipts today.