You Handle Toxic Chemicals
Every Day
Thermal paper receipts contain BPA or BPS — hormone-disrupting chemicals absorbed through your skin. Here's what the science says, and what you can do about it.
Read the 2026 Cashier's Safety GuideUnderstanding the Risk
The science is clear. The good news: small changes make a big difference.
The Fact
BPA and BPS are endocrine disruptors — chemicals that mimic hormones in your body. They're found in 93% of thermal paper receipts and absorb through your skin on contact.
Cashiers handle 300–500 receipts per shift. Studies show their BPA blood levels are significantly higher than the general population. Using hand sanitizer first increases absorption by up to 100 times.
Endocrine disruptors = chemicals that interfere with your body's hormones
The Solution
Simple, low-cost steps dramatically reduce your exposure. You don't need to quit your job or spend a lot of money.
- Wear nitrile gloves during receipt handling
- Never apply hand sanitizer before handling receipts
- Ask management to switch to phenol-free paper
- Offer digital receipts to customers whenever possible
Featured Guide
The Cashier's Complete Safety Guide to BPA & BPS
Everything a retail worker needs to know about receipt chemicals — the science, the risks, and exactly what to do about it. Updated for 2026 state regulations.
Take Action Today
Three things you can do right now — no cost, no equipment needed.
The Scratch Test
Scratch the back of your receipt with a fingernail. A dark mark means it's thermal paper — and likely contains BPA or BPS.
The Sanitizer Strike
Stop applying hand sanitizer before handling receipts. Ethanol in sanitizer opens skin pores and increases BPA absorption by up to 100x.
The Manager Memo
Print and hand our one-page compliance brief to your manager. It covers the WA state ban, cost-neutral paper alternatives, and liability basics.