Receipts and Endocrine Disruptors Have You Worried?

If you’ve seen headlines lately about receipts being toxic, you’re not the only one pausing at the checkout line.

A new investigation from the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) sparked legal action against more than 30 major retailers after high levels of BPS were found in their thermal receipt paper. While the full list of retailers is available at the bottom of the link here this also opens the door to a broader conversation about thermal receipts in general and what we should know about handling them.

The most eye-catching headline?

Touching just one receipt for 10 seconds exposes you to BPS above the safe limit.

And here’s something many people don’t realize: if your hands are moisturized, sweaty, or recently sanitized with alcohol-based gel, your skin may actually absorb more of the BPS from the receipt. Those substances can make it easier for the chemical to cross through the skin—especially in little hands that go straight from receipt to snack.

Naturally, this sparked concern—especially among parents. Because let’s be real: most of us have handed our toddler a receipt like it’s a toy or a bookmark for a board book. Some kids crumple it. Others kiss it. Some treat it like an appetizer.

So when stories like this pop up, it’s tempting to either panic or totally dismiss it. But the sweet spot? Somewhere in the middle. Let’s zoom out and look at what we do know, what we don’t yet, and what easy steps might actually help.

What’s the deal with receipts and BPS

Thermal receipts (the kind that print without ink) are coated with chemicals like Bisphenol S (BPS) to help the text appear when heat is applied. BPS was introduced as a replacement for BPA, which was phased out of many plastics and receipts due to concerns about hormone disruption.

But BPS belongs to the same chemical family: endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These substances can mimic or block hormones in the body—hormones that help regulate growth, metabolism, development, and reproduction.

A CDC-supported review found that BPS was widely present in the urine samples from U.S. adults–suggesting it’s fairly common in our environment. That same review noted that BPS may interact with hormone receptors in similar ways to BPA, though more human studies are still needed. Most of the current research comes from animal or cell studies, which have shown potential effects on hormone levels and reproductive health. Does that mean it’s definitely harmful in small doses? No. But it does raise questions—especially with frequent or avoidable exposure.

That’s why the CEH recently tested receipts from major retailers and found that touching just one for 10 seconds could result in dermal exposure above what they consider a safe threshold.

Now here’s where things get tricky:

That threshold comes from California’s Proposition 65–a state law that requires businesses to warn consumers if their products expose people to certain chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. It’s a law designed to give consumers more information–not to suggest that every single exposure is automatically harmful.

Currently, BPS is under the Prop 65 list, but there’s no officially established maximum allowable dose level (MADL) for it yet. That means we don’t have an agreed-upon amount that’s considered clearly safe or unsafe. So, by default, any detectable level must carry a warning–even if the actual health risk from brief exposure is still unclear.

But here’s the nuance:

There’s currently no officially established safe dose (called a MADL) for BPS. So even small, detectable amounts require a warning—whether or not the health risk is well understood.

So does that mean a quick touch is dangerous? Not necessarily. It just means we don’t have clear guidelines yet, and the system errs on the side of caution.

So…should you be worried?

This isn’t about panic–it’s about patterns. One crumpled receipt isn’t likely the issue. But if your child regularly plays with them, or if you handle stacks daily at work, this might be a good place to make a small, thoughtful shift.

Let’s break it down with some real-life perspective:

• If your toddler treats receipts like a lovey or snack: Yep, time for a swap. Maybe hand them a sticker instead.

• If they grab one at checkout: No big deal. Just wash hands before snack time and keep it moving.

• If you're offered a digital receipt: Take it if it’s easy. A no-stress way to reduce contact

• If you handle dozens of receipts a day at work: Gloves aren’t overkill. They protect you from BPS and everything else you’re touching.

This is about choosing what makes sense for you. Not everything needs to be a big change–but some habits are easy to shift once you know more.

Why endocrine disruptors matter–but also require context

There’s been a growing focus on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like BPS, BPA, and phthalates–and for a good reason. These chemicals can interfere with hormones that support development, growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

But most of the concern comes from chronic, high, or layered exposures—not one-off contact. It’s less about “one bad thing” and more about how everyday exposure adds up over time, like background noise turning into a blaring speaker.

So when you reduce exposure where it’s easy? You’re helping to turn the volume down.

Want a breakdown that cuts through this noise?

Check out the PedsDocTalk YouTube video on endocrine disruptors. The video explains what EDCs are, where they commonly show up, and includes realistic, science-backed ways to reduce exposure without fear-based extremes.

Final thoughts

Headlines can be loud. But instead of reacting from fear or fatigue, we can respond with informed calm. That’s what helps most.

No, receipts weren’t on most of our radars before—but that’s the beauty of growing knowledge. When we know better, we can choose better.

Whether that means:

• Saying “no thanks” to paper receipts,

• Avoiding handing them to babies,

• Or simply washing hands after…

• Or not changing your practice because you touch receipts occasionally (like myself) 

You’re already doing the work by staying curious and aware.

And honestly? This is how change happens:

• Research flags a possible issue.

• Advocacy groups investigate.

• Companies are held accountable.

• Consumers adjust behavior.

Not because the danger is proven beyond a doubt—but because we’re learning, and reducing risk as we go.

You don’t need to bubble-wrap your kid or fear every product. But if you can swap one thing to reduce a pattern of exposure, that’s a win. And if you’re in a position to ask for a digital receipt instead of paper? That’s a small nudge toward change, too.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.

On The Podcast

In this insightful follow-up episode, Dr. Mona is joined by Bill Brady—CEO of Troomi Wireless and a father of five—for a powerful conversation about the realities of kids and phones. They discuss the benefits of tech, the very real risks of social media, and how parents can introduce devices with intention. From self-esteem and screen-time addiction to practical steps for safe tech use, this episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the digital age.

If you’ve ever felt alone navigating an FPIES diagnosis—or if you’re wondering what FPIES even is—this episode is for you. 

I’m joined by Dr. Taylor Arnold, pediatric dietitian and mom of two children who had FPIES, and Dr. Manisha Relan, board-certified allergist and immunologist. Together, we break down what FPIES actually is, why it’s so often misdiagnosed, how it differs from typical food allergies, and what families can do to manage it confidently. Whether you’re a parent seeking answers or a clinician wanting to deepen your understanding, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling more empowered, prepared, and less alone.

We discuss: 

• What FPIES is, how it differs from typical food allergies, and why diagnosis is often delayed.

• Navigating food introductions, managing reactions, and reducing anxiety around FPIES.

• Practical tips for daycare, social situations, and long-term support for children with FPIES.

On YouTube

What do vaccine inserts actually mean? As a pediatrician I break down the MMR insert vs. VIS (Vaccine Information Statement) to help parents understand real risks—not fear. The video covers:

• What is a vaccine insert?

• What is informed consent?

• Let’s look at the MMR insert

• Does the MMR vaccine cause encephalitis?

• What is a vaccine information statement?

Ask Dr. Mona

An opportunity for YOU to ask Dr. Mona your parenting questions!

Dr. Mona will answer these questions in a future Sunday Morning Q&A email. Chances are if you have a parenting concern or question, another parent can relate. So let's figure this out together!