This is from Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Rapid Research, August 2010 (Updated November 2010)
Request Thermal paper receipts contain BPA. Is it a good idea to recycle thermal receipts? Key Findings
� Thermal paper recycling is a major source of bisphenol A (BPA) release to surface waters. PPRC
recommends disposing of all thermal paper receipts in the trash rather than the recycle bin to reduce
environmental release of BPA. Trash disposal and subsequent wastewater treatment of landfill leachate
should significantly reduce emissions of BPA.
� Recycling thermal paper may increase human exposure to BPA via cross-contamination of food from
recycled paper products. BPA has been found in paper towels and other likely food contact papers, and at
higher levels in recycled versus virgin papers.
� Recent results suggest that simple handling of thermal paper receipts transfers BPA to hands and fingers.
The amounts transferred, microgram quantities, are substantially greater than the amounts of BPA that
leach from can-linings or polycarbonate containers under normal circumstances.
� Those concerned about exposure to BPA should take common sense measures to reduce contact with
thermal paper, e.g., refusing receipts at ATMs and gas pumps or other point-of-sale transactions,
minimizing handling of receipts, and washing hands following handling.
� Some manufacturers have replaced BPA in thermal paper with BPS. The US Environmental Protection
Agency is currently assessing the safety of alternatives to BPA in thermal paper through the Design for
Environment (DfE) Program. PPRC representatives are participating on the DfE BPA advisory committee.
� The identification and use of safer alternatives in consumer products is a promising long-term strategy to
effectively reduce the exposure of people to harmful chemicals. I vote NO. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Read for yourself
