Over 90 per cent of receipts contain cancer-causing chemicals – Experts warn

Scientists have warn that 90% of the papers doled out by shops 'contain hormone-disrupting chemicals thought to be carcinogenic'.

Studies have shown the chemical can lead to hormone-dependent cancers, and has previously been linked to infertility, autism, ADHD, obesity, type 2 diabetes, premature births and early onset of puberty.

There are already concerns about the public being exposed to BPA, which is often found in plastics.

We should avoid storing receipts in purses, wallets, or cars, according to Professor Nicolás Olea, from the University of Granada, Spain.

BPA is added to receipts to make their writing darker without using ink, and is also found in plastic water bottles and food containers.

International researchers, led by the University of Granada, analysed 112 thermal paper receipts and tickets from Brazil, Spain and France.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR BPA AND BPS RECEIPT EXPOSURE

•Folding receipts so the printed side is facing inwards. The back is not typically coated in chemicals

•Keeping an envelope in their wallets to place receipts. This avoids them rubbing against money.

•Not handing receipts to children.

•Washing their hands after touching receipts.

•Disposing of receipts in the trash over recycling to avoid contaminating recycled paper.

•Disposing of receipts in the trash over recycling to avoid contaminating recycled paper.

•Cashiers should only print receipts when asked, wear gloves, wash their hands thoroughly and avoid touching their mouths.

The researchers suggested people 'reject' paper receipts until public health measures are taken, noting that the Spanish government promised to remove BPA from its receipts by 2020.

Source: Daily Mail.