A new study has uncovered alarming levels of bisphenol S (BPS), a highly toxic chemical, in paper receipts from major U.S. retailers — with exposure levels so high that merely holding a receipt for 10 seconds can exceed California’s Proposition 65 safety threshold.
The findings, released by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), reveal that receipts from brands including Burger King, Chanel, Dollar General, AMC Theaters, GameStop, Subway, Foot Locker, and Ace Hardware contain BPS levels deemed unsafe by California law. The CEH has issued violation notices to over 50 retailers, pressuring them to stop using BPS-coated thermal paper or face legal consequences.
“This was really eye-opening for us,” said Mihir Vohra, science lead at CEH. “They really speak to just how high the concentrations of BPS are in these receipts.”
Why This Matters
BPS, a common replacement for bisphenol A (BPA), is used as a developer in thermal receipt paper. While many companies have phased out BPA due to its known toxicity, BPS has proven to be just as harmful — linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, cognitive damage, and various cancers.
The new study is especially concerning for cashiers and retail workers, who may handle hundreds of receipts daily, increasing their risk of exposure. The CEH also pointed out that restaurant-goers often hold receipts longer while reviewing bills, potentially absorbing even more of the chemical.
Legal Action Underway
Under California’s Proposition 65, companies found in violation have 60 days to respond — either by switching to safer alternatives or by posting clear warnings at the point of sale. If they fail to comply, CEH plans to initiate legal action in California state court.
Some safer alternatives do exist, such as vitamin C-coated paper, but they may not provide the same brightness or print quality, making retailer transition more complex.
“We need companies to stop playing Whac-a-Mole with harmful chemicals,” said Kizzy Charles-Guzman, CEH Executive Director. “It’s time to prioritize public health.”
What You Can Do
Consumers are advised to reduce their exposure by:
- Declining printed receipts whenever possible.
- Opting for digital or email receipts.
- Washing hands after handling receipts.
As this issue gains national attention, the pressure is mounting on retailers to eliminate BPS from their receipt papers and adopt truly non-toxic alternatives.
