The Receipt Problem: Our biggest exposure to Bisphenol-A (BPA) or its chemical cousin Bisphenol-S (BPS)
We often think about chemical exposure as something that comes from obvious sources plastics, food packaging, or environmental pollution. But sometimes, it’s the small, everyday interactions that quietly add up.
One of the most overlooked sources? The simple act of handling a receipt.
Thermal paper receipts (the shiny, smooth ones) are commonly coated with chemicals called bisphenols most notably BPA (bisphenol A) and its replacement, BPS (bisphenol S). These compounds are used to develop the printed text when heat is applied. What many people don’t realise is that these chemicals are not bound to the paper, meaning they can easily transfer onto your skin and be absorbed into the body within minutes.
Why BPA and BPS matter for your hormones
BPA has been widely studied and is known as an endocrine disruptor. It can interfere with your body’s hormonal system. It mimics oestrogen in the body and can disrupt normal signalling pathways, influencing everything from reproductive health to thyroid function.
As awareness of BPA grew, many manufacturers shifted toward “BPA-free” products. However, what we now understand is that BPS, the common replacement, behaves in very similar ways. Research shows that BPS can also mimic oestrogen and act as a potent endocrine disruptor, with potential impacts on breast tissue, metabolic health, and hormone balance.
Emerging evidence also links bisphenol exposure (including BPA, BPS, and related compounds) to broader health concerns such as metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation.
How exposure actually happens
Unlike many toxins that enter through food or water, receipt exposure is often dermal, through the skin.
Handling receipts regularly (particularly in retail settings, or even just frequently throughout the day) can increase your body’s burden of these chemicals. Studies have shown that BPA can be absorbed through the skin, and even brief contact can raise measurable levels in the body.
Factors like hand sanitiser, lotions, or oils on the skin can further increase absorption, something that’s rarely considered. These oils, or the alcohol in hand sanitizers lift the BPA off the receipt onto your hands more readily.
Once we see these exposures clearly, we can begin to reduce the cumulative load on the body.
Why this matters for your overall health
From a functional perspective, endocrine disruptors place an additional burden on systems that are already working hard particularly the liver, which is responsible for processing and detoxifying hormones and environmental chemicals.
When exposure is ongoing, even at low levels, it can contribute to subtle dysregulation over time:
Hormonal imbalances
Changes in menstrual cycles or fertility
Thyroid disruption
Increased inflammatory load
Impacts on metabolic health
This is often not about one single exposure, but the accumulation.
Testing and understanding your personal exposure
In clinic, one of the ways we can explore this further is through functional testing that assesses your body’s exposure to environmental chemicals, including compounds like BPA.
These tests can give us a clearer picture of your current toxic load, alongside how well your detoxification pathways are functioning. From there, we can create a personalised plan to support:
Liver detoxification pathways
Hormonal balance
Nutrient support for phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification
Reducing ongoing exposure in a realistic, sustainable way
This allows us to move from guessing to understanding and to support your body in a much more targeted way.
Simple ways to reduce exposure
While we can’t eliminate exposure entirely, we can reduce it meaningfully:
Opt for digital receipts where possible
Avoid handling receipts unnecessarily
Wash hands after contact (especially before eating)
Be mindful of handling receipts after using hand sanitiser or lotion
Store receipts separately from food
Wear rubber gloves to handle receipts.
These small shifts can make a significant difference over time.
Book a functional test here to assess your chemical exposure .
FAQs: Environment Chemical Exposures
Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Toxins, Hormones & Fertility
Can environmental toxins affect hormones?
Yes, many environmental chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PFAS are known as endocrine disruptors. This means they can interfere with hormone signalling in the body, potentially impacting oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol balance. Over time, this disruption may contribute to symptoms such as irregular cycles, PMS, fatigue, and metabolic changes.
How do chemicals like BPA and phthalates impact fertility?
Exposure to BPA and phthalates has been associated with changes in egg quality, ovulation, and hormone regulation. In both men and women, these chemicals may also affect reproductive function by altering hormone levels and increasing oxidative stress. Reducing exposure can be an important step when supporting fertility.
Can environmental toxins affect thyroid function?
Yes, certain environmental toxins can interfere with thyroid hormone production, conversion, and receptor sensitivity. Chemicals such as PFAS and heavy metals may disrupt normal thyroid signalling, which can contribute to symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, and low mood.
What are common signs of high toxic load in the body?
Symptoms can vary, but commonly include:
Fatigue or low energy
Brain fog or poor concentration
Hormonal imbalances
Skin issues
Increased sensitivity to smells or chemicals
Digestive issues or bloating
These symptoms are non-specific, which is why testing can be helpful in some cases.
Can environmental toxins contribute to low iron or ferritin?
Indirectly, yes. Environmental toxins can impact gut health, inflammation, and liver function, all of which play a role in nutrient absorption and regulation. While they are not usually the primary cause of low ferritin, they may contribute to underlying imbalances that make it harder to restore optimal levels.
How can I reduce my exposure to environmental toxins at home?
Start with simple, sustainable changes:
Avoid heating food in plastic
Choose glass or stainless steel where possible
Filter your drinking water
Reduce use of synthetic fragrances and air fresheners
Switch to low-tox cleaning and personal care products
Consistency over time is more important than perfection.
Should I get tested for environmental toxins?
Testing may be helpful if you have ongoing, unexplained symptoms or known exposure (e.g. mould, occupational exposure, or chemical sensitivity). Comprehensive testing like the ALL-TOX Profile can provide insight into your overall toxic burden and help guide a personalised treatment approach.
Where can I get environmental toxin testing in New Zealand?
Functional testing for environmental toxins is available through qualified practitioners. If you’re based in New Zealand and looking for support with testing and interpretation, this is something we can explore together in clinic.