On January 2, the EU authorities banned the chemical substance bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper used as receipts, bank statements or tickets. Only papers that have a maximum weight percentage of 0.02 percent BPA are permitted. Previously, thermal paper contained 25 to 150 times that.
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The problem with BPA
Bisphenol A has long been the subject of criticism: The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) recommended not touching such paper longer than necessary , as the BPA is released from the paper and enters the body through the skin . The health effects of BPA have been proven in animal experiments and numerous studies , including the fact that the substance has a hormonal effect on the body. Due to the toxic substance, receipts also belong in the residual waste instead of in the waste paper. Otherwise, the toxic substances could be released from the paper during recycling.
Alternatives to BPA – but also better?
Despite the low BPA content, the UBA still recommends disposing of thermal paper in the residual waste. The reason: Bisphenol S (BPS) is now used instead of BPA. This substance is also suspected of being harmful to health and having a hormonal effect. It remains difficult for consumers to tell which paper is coated and which is not.
The only exception is blue thermal paper, which is used in health food stores. It does not require the chemical and is therefore harmless. It can also be recycled.
