Receipts, a Source of Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical that is used to produce resilient plastics. This compound was once found in beverage containers until its removal in 2012. However, it still is used in compact discs, plastic dinnerware, toys, and other household plastics. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor that can affect the reproductive systems of individuals and cause hormonal disturbance. Due to its prevalence in our everyday lives and the plethora of health concerns surrounding BPA, it should be a topic of concern for the public. A primary source of BPA that is under-researched is the use of color developers in thermal paper receipts. Thermal paper receipts are used worldwide by organizations, and consequently, individuals have high contact with them. This study was conducted to determine the presence of BPA in grocery and restaurant receipts collected. To examine the levels of BPA, the receipts were submerged in 10 mL of room-temperature water for 60 minutes. The resulting liquid was analyzed for BPA levels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection. The concentration of BPA was determined after optimizing a calibration curve for BPA with a detection limit of 200 ng/mL. It was hypothesized that the receipts would contain a significant amount of BPA, potentially posing health risks to individuals who have frequent contact with receipts.