Receipt BPA Exposure Links Chemical Absorption In The Skin

Previous studies have examined the dangers of high levels of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). Findings have revealed that it can lead to adverse side effects--some that can even increase the risk of cancer.

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia discovered that those who were exposed to high levels of BPA via mixed receipts with hand sanitizers were likely to deal with exposure through their skin.

"BPA first was developed by a biochemist and tested as an artificial estrogen supplement," said Frederick vom Saal, Curators Professor of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Science at MU, via Science Daily. "As an endocrine disrupting chemical, BPA has been demonstrated to alter signaling mechanisms involving estrogen and other hormones. Store and fast food receipts, airline tickets, ATM receipts and other thermal papers all use massive amounts of BPA on the surface of the paper as a print developer. The problem is, we as consumers have hand sanitizers, hand creams, soaps and sunscreens on our hands that drastically alter the absorption rate of the BPA found on these receipts."

Past studies have warn that excessive absorption of BPA can harm the endocrine system, which regulates hormones. Furthermore, exposure in the womb has been linked with heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Any exposure during pregnancy can be particularly dangerous for the future baby, as well. Research shows that BPA can affect the mental and physical health of a fetus in the womb.

"The combination of dermal and oral BPA absorption led to a rapid and dramatic average maximum increase in unconjugated (bioactive) BPA...in blood and urine within 90 minutes," the study authors concluded, in a news release.

Researchers discovered that skin absorption in general could increase the risk of BPA in comparison to digestion. For instance, when the team accounted for two other factors, they used hand sanitizer prior to touching a BPA-coated receipt and eating greasy foods with hands that had touched the receipt, they discovered an even greater level of exposure to the chemical.

By using these items, the skin ends up absorbing higher levels of BPA from receipts. The researchers reported that exposure occurred in as little as two seconds, in some cases.

Even though low levels of BPA exposure is considered safe, this study's findings suggest exposure levels could be a lot higher than people previously believed.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal PLOS ONE.