Paper risk of diseasesImage Credit Source: Getty Images
Thermal Paper Receipts: After buying anything from a big shop or mall, if we take a bill of it, then this bill is received as paper receipt. We take this receipt in your hand, but do you know that these receipts can cause many diseases. This is because most shopping bills are prints on thermal paper, which use chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) or BPS (BPSPHENOL S). These chemicals can only cause cancer to deterioration of hormones. Let us first know what thermal paper is and how it can cause diseases.
Thermal paper is a paper. There is a special coating on it. When this paper is extracted through the printer, it reacts to the heat of the printer and makes the text. Which is written on the bill. This special coating also comes on paper with heat. It contains BPA, which can cause many diseases. BPA is Hormone Disrupting Chemicals. They interfere in the body’s hormone system.
What happens by hormone system disturbances?
Dr. Bhupesh Kumar Sharma, Forensic Expert at SGT University Gurugram, says that there may be disturbances in the Seharmonal imbalance, especially estrogen levels coming in contact with BPA. This leads to the risk of reproductive problems such as PCOS, infertility, even breast or prostate cancer. In many cases it can also cause disturbances in thyroid function. Apart from this, neurological problems in children, such as ADHD may also be at risk.
Which people are more in danger?
BPA can affect everyone, but pregnant women, young children and teenagers may be affected more than this. These chemicals in children can affect mental development. In such a situation, these receipts should be avoided.
How to avoid these receipts?
Do not touch the receipt directly with hands, especially when the hands are wet
If not necessary, do not take the receipt, take a digital bill (SMS or Email)
Do not keep the receipt near food and drink
Keep the bill away from children or pregnant women
Wash hands after touching the bill
Do not recycle the thermal receipt, as it can provide chemicals in other products
Are all receipts dangerous?
Some brands use BPA-Free paper. The risk of BPA is low in these papers. Due to which the risk of diseases is very low.