A non-profit American organization has decided to bring 32 large retail chains to court after detecting worrying levels of a chemist associated with health risks on paper used on buying beads.
Lawsuit involves dozens of well -known brands
The process was filed by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), which points to the presence of high amounts of Bisphenol S (BPS), a compound similar to the best known Bisphenol A (BPA), in the talons issued by these companies.
Hormonal effects associated with BPS contact
According to, this compound is known for interfering with the human hormonal system and can imitate estrogen and affect essential functions such as metabolism, growth and fertility, warns researchers.
Contact with paper just to cause absorption
According to CEH, scientific studies indicate that BPS is absorbed by the skin even after a short contact with the paper, which represents a risk to consumers and, above all, for workers dealing with these materials daily.
High exposure in a short time
Independent laboratory tests have revealed that playing a receipt with BPs for just 10 seconds can already exceed the levels considered safe for human health.
Called to the responsibility on the part of CEH
Mihir Vohra, the organization’s scientific manager, stressed in a statement that these data justify the need for “a clear and reasonable warning to consumers.”
Known problem for over two decades
Kizzy Charles-Guzman, CEH’s executive director, recalls that the entity has been pressuring companies for over 20 years so that they do not replace hazardous chemicals with equally harmful, considering a “toxic facade game”.
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Companies must review their security criteria
From the point of view of the organization, target companies now have the opportunity to review the criteria that define their suppliers’ choice and secure safer materials for both employees and customers.
Recommendations to reduce risks
To minimize exposure to this chemist, CEH advises consumers to refuse whenever possible paper receipts.
Additional care recommended to workers
The organization also warns workers to wear gloves and avoid alcohol -based products in their hands before moving in the talons, as this enhances the absorption of the chemist through the skin.
Common practices can aggravate the problem
According to Shakoora Azimi-Gaylon, head of the CEH toxic exposure prevention program, the use of disinfectants or antibacterial gel before playing in receipts can significantly increase BPS exposure.
Thermal paper should not be recycled
Thermal paper receipts are not recyclable as they contain bisphenols that can contaminate the process and generate negative impacts on public health and the environment.
Consequences for the recycling chain
The presence of these compounds prevents safe reuse of the thermal paper, interfering with recycling systems and increasing chemical pollution.
Organization requires concrete measures from companies
Given the results obtained, CEH requires immediate changes in materials used, in order to protect workers, consumers and the environment.
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