Bisphenol A exposure via thermal paper receipts

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high-volume chemical with endocrine-modulating properties.
• Skin absorption from thermal paper is a potential BPA exposure route.
• Understanding BPA exposure from thermal paper is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and urinary excretion from handling thermal paper receipts.
• To compare BPA exposure levels with background excretion in the Finnish working-age population.
• To evaluate the significance of thermal paper handling as a BPA exposure pathway.

Main Methods:

• Simulation experiments involving volunteers handling thermal paper receipts.
• Measurement of urinary BPA excretion levels.
• Establishment of a reference limit for BPA excretion based on a non-occupationally exposed population.

Main Results:

• Geometric mean BPA excretion in the general Finnish population was 2.6 μg/l, with a reference limit set at 8 μg/l.
• Under typical cashier conditions, BPA excretion remained below the reference limit.
• Intensive handling of thermal paper resulted in BPA excretion at or below background levels, with a maximum daily intake significantly below EFSA's temporary TDI.

Conclusions:

• Handling thermal paper receipts is unlikely to cause significant Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure.
• Urinary BPA excretion from simulated thermal paper handling remained within safe limits.
• The contribution of thermal paper to overall daily BPA intake is minimal compared to established safety thresholds.