
How to Safely Handle Thermal Paper to Minimize Exposure to BPA and Other Chemicals
Thermal paper might not be the first thing on your mind when you think about safety. But did you know that some thermal receipts could expose you to chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA)?
But don’t worry, this isn’t about scaring you—it's about learning a few simple steps to handle thermal paper safely and reduce exposure to BPA and its alternatives.
First, What’s the Big Deal with BPA?
BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical found in many plastics and resins, and it’s used in thermal paper to develop the print. The downside? BPA can act as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it mimics hormones in the body and may mess with your health in ways that aren’t fun.
Some studies have linked BPA to issues like hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and more. Naturally, this got people talking (and worrying). That’s why many companies are switching to BPA-free thermal paper.
If you're handling receipts and thermal paper frequently, minimizing exposure to all these chemicals is smart.
5 Easy Steps to Safely Handle Thermal Paper
1. Keep Skin Contact to a Minimum
This one’s a no-brainer: the less contact, the better. Consider using gloves when handling large amounts of thermal paper—especially if you’re in retail or food service.
But let’s be real, gloves aren’t always practical. If you can’t wear them, wash your hands after handling thermal paper. It’s the quickest and easiest way to reduce exposure.
2. Don’t Crumple or Rub Receipts
Ever noticed how some people immediately scrunch up receipts and toss them in their bag or pocket? Yeah, don’t do that. Crumpling and rubbing the thermal paper increases the risk of chemicals like BPA rubbing off onto your skin. Instead, fold it neatly or better yet, ask for digital receipts.
3. Store Receipts in Safe Spaces
Got a stash of old receipts lying around? Time to rethink where you keep them. Avoid storing thermal paper receipts in places like wallets or pockets where they’ll be in constant contact with your skin. A simple folder or envelope works just fine, and it keeps those pesky chemicals away from you.
4. Choose BPA-Free (With Caution)
When buying thermal paper for your business, look for BPA-free options. Just remember, while these may contain fewer harmful chemicals, they might still have alternatives like BPS. This brings us back to the importance of limiting direct contact no matter what type of thermal paper you use.
At POSPaper, we offer a wide range of thermal paper rolls, including BPA-free options. So if you’re looking for ways to keep your business safe and compliant, we’ve got you covered.
Why BPA-Free Thermal Paper Is a Solid Choice
BPA-free doesn’t mean chemical-free, but it’s still a healthier option. If you’re in the market for BPA-free thermal paper, we’ve got high-quality 3 1/8” x 230’ BPA-free rolls at POSPaper. Not only are these thermal rolls perfect for your POS systems, but they also offer a safer alternative to traditional BPA-laden paper. And let’s be real—your customers will appreciate the extra effort.
Ready to stock up on BPA-free thermal rolls? Check out our collection at POSPaper!