A doctor has sparked a heated debate after revealing she refuses to touch supermarket receipts and insists her children avoid them too.
Dr. Poonam Desai, a US-based doctor living in New York City, explained that most thermal paper receipts contain harmful chemicals such as BPA (Bisphenol-A) and BPS (Bisphenol-S).
The receipts you receive from supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants and clothing stores are typically printed on thermal paper, which is often coated with BPA or BPS.
These chemicals can disrupt hormones, increase the risk of cancer and even cause developmental problems in children.
“I’m a doctor and I don’t touch receipts – and I don’t let my kids play with them or touch receipts either,” Dr Desai warned in a video that has now gone viral.
The revelation has left many people stunned, with one shocked viewer commenting: ‘Wow. I’ve never thought of that before.’
Research has shown that BPA levels on individual receipts can be up to a thousand times higher than what is found in a can of food.
Most people think BPA exposure comes from plastic water bottles or food containers, but receipts are a huge source of exposure.
Dr. Poonam Desai, a US-based 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 into the skin, especially if you’ve just used hand cream or sanitizer.
A study from the University of Missouri found that BPA absorption increases dramatically when a person uses skin care products such as hand sanitizer, soap, or sunscreen before handling a receipt.
Dr. Desai emphasized that even small exposures can be harmful over time, and because receipts are so common, the risk can easily add up.
She said she always opts for digital receipts – via email or text message – and recommends others do the same.
For those who cannot avoid handling receipts, it is advised to wash your hands immediately afterwards and avoid using hand sanitiser first.
Many people online were shocked 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 more widely known?’
The receipts you receive from 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: ‘Amazing. Another thing to add to the list of things we should be afraid of.”