A doctor has sparked a heated debate after revealing she refuses to touch supermarket receipts and insists her children stay away from them too.
Dr. Poonam Desai, an American doctor living in New York City, explained that most thermal paper receipts contain harmful chemicals such as BPA (Bisphenol-A) and BPS (Bisphenol-S).
Receipts obtained at supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants, and clothing stores are usually printed on thermal paper, which is usually coated with BPA or BPS.
These chemicals can disrupt hormones, increase the risk of cancer and even cause developmental problems in children.
“I am a doctor and I don’t touch receipts, and I don’t let my children play with them or touch them,” Dr. Desai warned in a video that has now gone viral.
The reveal has left many people stunned, with one shocked viewer commenting: “Wow.” I had never thought about that.
Studies have found that BPA levels in individual receipts can be up to 1,000 times higher than those found in a can of food.
Most people think that BPA exposure comes from plastic water bottles or food containers, but receipts are a big source of exposure.
Dr. Poonam Desai, an American doctor living in New York City, explained that most thermal paper receipts contain harmful chemicals.
What’s even more alarming is how quickly the chemical can be absorbed through the skin, especially if you’ve just used hand cream or sanitizer.
TO University of Missouri study found that BPA absorption increases dramatically when someone uses skin care products like hand sanitizer, soap, or sunscreen before handling a receipt.
Dr. Desai emphasized that even small exposures over time can be harmful, and because exposures are so common, the risk can easily accumulate.
He said he always opts for digital receipts (via email or text) and recommends others do the same.
For those who cannot avoid handling receipts, it is recommended to wash your hands immediately afterward and avoid using hand sanitizer first.
Many people online were horrified by the revelation, with some admitting they had never thought about the hidden danger of everyday receipts.
‘I touch receipts all the time. This is terrifying,” one woman wrote.
Another added: ‘I’m a cashier and I had no idea about this. Shouldn’t this be better known?
The receipts you receive at supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants, and clothing stores are typically printed on thermal paper, which is often coated with BPA or BPS.
While most thermal receipts still contain BPA or BPS, some stores have begun switching to BPA-free options or digital receipts to limit exposure.
Many people appreciated the health warning, but others were skeptical.
“We can’t touch or do anything now,” said one commenter.
Another wrote: ‘Great. Another thing to add to the list of things we are supposed to be afraid of.