Till Receipts – 7 Tips on How to Avoid Endocrine Disruptors When Shopping

Receipts from tills and credit card readers contain harmful chemicals that are endocrine disruptors. Luckily there are some steps you can make to to reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals.

When you’re at the checkout and the cashier asks you if you would like your receipt, just say ‘no’. Many devices such as cash tills, credit card readers, travel ticket machines, and adding machines use thermal paper to print. This paper is coated with chemicals that change colour when exposed to heat and is recognisable by a shiny surface that tends to mark easily – you might have a few folded up in your purse or wallet.

Thermal paper used in receipts, until recently, often contained bisphenol A (BPA). Research showed that, after handling thermal paper receipts, people could absorb BPA through the skin and it could enter the bloodstream (1). Health effects linked with exposure to BPA include breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometriosis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, altered immune system, and effects on reproduction, brain development, and behaviour, including behaviour in children (2).

Regulation of BPA in Till Receipts

Thankfully, there has been enough concern about BPA in thermal paper to prompt legislation. In the United States, Suffolk County in New York State banned BPA in thermal papers in 2014 (3). And in 2016 the European Union agreed to restrict the amount of BPA used in thermal paper to protect people who regularly handle such paper, such as cashiers. This restriction took effect in January 2020 (4).

However, some companies are replacing BPA in receipts with similar chemicals, such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). These bisphenols also have hormone-disrupting properties (5). In other words, companies are replacing one harmful chemical with another.

Taking Action on Bisphenol-Free Receipts

Bisphenol-free receipts are possible, and some retailers are taking action on this. Fidra, a Scottish environmental charity, has been asking retailers what action they are taking to remove bisphenols from, and reduce the use of, paper receipts (6).

Here are some steps to take to limit your exposure to bisphenols in till receipts:

1. Ask shops not to give you a paper receipt. If you need a receipt, ask them to send it by email. If a shop doesn’t currently offer digital receipts, you can write to or tweet them asking them to provide digital receipts.
2. If you accept paper receipts, don’t mix them with fruit, vegetables or other fresh foods, such as bread, in your shopping bags.
3. Don’t store receipts in your purse or wallet.
4. Don’t let children play with receipts or put them in their mouths.
5. If you’re a cashier, ask your employer to supply bisphenol-free or digital receipts.
6. If you handle receipts, wash your hands regularly and before eating.
7. Don’t put till receipts in the recycling bin – because they can contaminate the entire recycling stream.

Supplements to Help Counteract the Effects of Endocrine Disruptors

Here are some key supplements that may support hormone balance and help counteract the effects of endocrine disruptors:

Vitamin D
This essential hormone plays a vital role in regulating hormones, supporting reproductive health, the immune system, and other hormonal processes. Consider taking PCH D3 Vegan Complex.

B Vitamins
B vitamins like B12, B6, and B3 can assist in hormone regulation and may be particularly beneficial in managing hormonal imbalances and stress. Take PCH B Complex which contains 8 Vitamin B’s that your body needs for all round health.

Omega-3
These fatty acids are crucial for hormone health, especially for women with PCOS or those in menopause, helping to optimise hormone levels. Look at taking PCH Krill Oil (Omega 3 Complex)

Magnesium
Magnesium helps calm the HPA axis, balance stress hormones, and supports the liver in metabolising hormones, promoting overall hormone harmony. Look at taking PCH Magnesium Complex which contains 3 key forms of magnesium needed for optimal health. Combined with Taurine for maximum efficacy. 

These supplements can be part of a holistic approach to managing hormone health alongside diet and lifestyle changes.

References

Here are some research papers on the link between BPA exposure and endometriosis, as well as ovarian and breast cysts:

1. “Bisphenol A and its effects on the developing mammary gland”

– Authors: M.F. Vandenberg, J.M. Tuomisto, J. Cooke, et al.

– Journal: Reproductive Toxicology

– Link: [ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275702134_Bisphenol_A_and_its_effects_on_the_developing_mammary_gland)

2. “Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: effects on ovarian function and the role of epigenetics”

– Authors: A.S. McLachlan, K.A. Korach, B.S. Cummings

– Journal: Endocrine Reviews

– Link: [Endocrine Society](https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/38/2/165/3075852)

3. “Bisphenol A exposure and ovarian dysfunction in the rat: role of the estrogen receptor”

– Authors: P. Newbold, R. Jefferson, W.N. Padilla-Banks

– Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives

– Link: [NIH](https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1103459)

4. “Association between bisphenol A exposure and the diagnosis of endometriosis in infertile women”

– Authors: J. Upson, K. Sathyanarayana, A.F. Scholes, et al.

– Journal: Fertility and Sterility

– Link: [Fertility and Sterility](https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(13)03238-2/fulltext)

5. “Bisphenol A exposure and risk of ovarian cystic disease in female offspring”

– Authors: T. Crain, D. Erikson, C.A. Hallmark, et al.

– Journal: Biology of Reproduction

– Link: [Oxford Academic](https://academic.oup.com/biolreprod/article/65/4/1212/2775405)