Bisphenol A and replacements in thermal paper: A review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Thermal paper utilizes color developers like bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor, at high concentrations.
• BPA migration from thermal and recycled paper raises human health concerns, leading to regulatory restrictions.
• Emerging BPA replacements, such as bisphenol S (BPS), are increasingly used, but their presence and toxicity are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the occurrence and levels of BPA and its replacements in thermal paper.
• To summarize analytical methods for quantifying BPA and its analogues in paper products.
• To discuss BPA transfer from thermal paper to human skin and its implications for exposure.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on BPA and BPA replacements in thermal paper.
• Analysis of reported concentrations of BPA and BPS in paper products.
• Examination of research on dermal transfer of BPA from thermal paper.

Main Results:

• BPA remains the predominant color developer in thermal paper, with BPS as a common replacement.
• BPA is transferred to finger pads upon handling thermal paper, with transfer efficiency influenced by skin conditions.
• Detected BPA levels in thermal paper can reach up to 42,600 μg g⁻¹, and in recycled paper up to 46 μg g⁻¹.

Conclusions:

• BPA and its replacements are prevalent in thermal paper, necessitating continued monitoring.
• Dermal transfer of BPA from thermal paper is a documented exposure route, though its overall significance is under investigation.
• Further research is needed to assess the risks associated with BPA replacements in thermal paper products.