People who work a cash register all day are most likely absorbing a potentially toxic chemical from the receipts they handle. The research found that thermal receipt paper contains bisphenol A (BPA) which is used to prevent the color on paper from running or bleeding.
Researchers discovered that people working a two-hour shift at a cash register saw their BPA levels increase three to five times from handling the receipt. According to the research letter published in Journal of the Ameican Medical Association for Feb 26 issue, the peak BPA levels were still lower than have previously been seen in people after consuming canned soup.
This situation could be worst for pregnant or of fetile age as BPA can mimic the female hormone estrogen and concerns have been raised about its effects on unborn babies and young children. The U.S Food and Drug Administration has benned its use in sippy cups, baby bottles and infant formula packaging. Research into BPA exposure up to now has focused on ingestion of the chemical through its presence in plastic bottles and aluminum can linings. The research found that the amoung of BPA in their participants urine jumped considerably as a result of handling the receipt paper.
The test also found that BPA levels could rise as much as five times in samples taken six hours after the shift ended.
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While the research found an association between working with cash register receipts and increased levels of BPA in the body, it did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
Source :- MedlinePlus