Every day, hundreds of thousands of Americans come into contact with receipts containing harmful substances called bisphenols, which easily penetrate through the skin and into the body. Although some consumers are beginning to be aware of the danger, the vast majority of retailers still use toxic receipts. However, this could soon change. We are entering the era of safe shopping – the era of the Healthy Receipt!
Almost every one of us visits shops or service points every day, receiving a receipt as a confirmation – a seemingly safe piece of paper. However, in reality, any contact with a proof of purchase can have a negative impact on our health. Why is this? Receipts are printed on thermal paper usually coated with bisphenol A or S (BPA or BPS), which gives colour as a result of the oxidation process. When in contact with the proof of purchase, these dangerous compounds settle on the skin, and much of them are absorbed into the body. The residue can also make its way into the digestive system (e.g. when we don’t wash our hands, we come into contact with food).
At present, the situation appears to be extremely unfavourable for consumers, as well as cashiers. The vast majority of receipts issued contain bisphenols, which disrupt hormonal balance and pose a particular risk to the health of pregnant women and children. Exposure to BPA during this period of life can cause hyperactivity, underdevelopment of the brain, and in the long term, increase the likelihood of developing cancer. However, these are just some of the most frequently cited potential risks.
Harmful BPA and equally harmful substitute
BPA has not been allowed to be an ingredient in plastic baby feeding bottles sold in the European Union since mid-2011 due to its scientifically proven toxicity. This is also the reason why the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added it to the list of substances of particular concern (SVHC). In addition, there is now a limit on the permissible amount of BPA that can be released from toys intended for children up to the age of three and from any toys intended to be put in the mouth by a child. Another step is the introduction by the European Commission of a ban on the use of this substance in baby rolls, which comes into force on 2 January 2020. Bisphenol S was indicated as an acceptable substitute, therefore the illusory safe BPA Free receipts based on this substitute began to enjoy increasing popularity. Unfortunately, subsequent studies have also shown its harmfulness and even greater ability to penetrate the skin compared to its predecessor.
In 2013, Dr Cheryl Watson from the Department of Medicine at the University of Texas proved that BPS, even in minimal concentrations, can disrupt the normal functioning of animal cells, contributing to the development of diabetes, asthma, foetal defects and even cancer. In turn, Professor Patricia Hunt from the University of Washington confirmed the ability of BPA and other bisphenols to damage reproductive cells, while proving that destructive changes in the hormonal system are passed on to subsequent generations.
In 2013, Dr Cheryl Watson from the Department of Medicine at the University of Texas proved that BPS, even in minimal concentrations, can disrupt the normal functioning of animal cells, contributing to the development of diabetes, asthma, foetal defects and even cancer. In turn, Professor Patricia Hunt from the University of Washington confirmed the ability of BPA and other bisphenols to damage reproductive cells, while proving that destructive changes in the hormonal system are passed on to subsequent generations.
Initiative for positive change
The company Emerson Polska, guided by the conviction that the legislative changes are a step in the right direction, but highly insufficient, decided to promote the idea of replacing the BPA-containing cash rolls with others that are incomparably safer for cashiers and customers. In this way, Healthy Paragon was created – a solution free not only of bisphenols A and S, but also of any other phenols.
Having many years of experience in the industry, a well-established market position and enjoying recognition among numerous customers in 25 countries of Europe and the world, Emerson Polska was the first company in its home market to clearly signal the seriousness and scale of the problem by informing the public about the possible consequences of using receipts containing bisphenols.
We want to raise awareness among consumers in our country about the potential dangers of exposure to BPA and BPS, the speed at which both substances are absorbed through the skin, and the ease with which they can settle on any object they come into contact with. At the same time, we are promoting the idea of a Healthy Paragon by encouraging consumers to choose rolls free from toxic phenols,” says Robert Hanusiak, Vice President of Commercial Affairs at Emerson USA.
Mutual benefits
The latest product from the Emerson brand is a perfect opportunity for any retail or service company to prove to its cashiers and customers their commitment to taking care of their health, and thus to stand out in the industry as a responsible employer and retailer. Currently, the situation for both groups is highly unfavorable because only 10% of the proof of purchase received at checkouts is free of toxic bisphenols. “With this in mind, we warmly invite more partners to join the group of Friends of Healthy Paragon. We direct our offer to a wide group of recipients – not only large retail chains, but also all pharmacies, stores, service shops, as well as individual entrepreneurs who are not indifferent to the health of employees and customers,” adds Robert Hanusiak.
The Emerson Poland brand initiative is an innovative approach to receipts not only in our country, but also worldwide, based on careful analysis of current and upcoming trends related to ecology and healthy living. The potential for a significant reduction of BPA and BPS in favor of phenol-free solutions is enormous. With consumers increasingly interested in the ingredients of the products they buy and receive, the Healthy Receipts can become a symbol of positive change in this area. The first steps towards the era of safe shopping have already been taken. Emerson’s innovation is gaining a following among national audiences who want to play their part in the gradual elimination of toxic substances from our everyday lives.
