Never touch your shopping receipts: Top American doc reveals why

Go ahead — indulge in that shopping spree. Buy as many things as your heart desires. There is nothing wrong with shopping and going overboard, whether it's grocery shopping or fashion. We all deserve to splurge a little and treat ourselves. But when you are done shopping, do not touch that receipt! Dr Tania Elliott, a board-certified internal medicine specialist and allergist based in New York City, warns against touching shopping receipts. "Don't touch," she warns in a video shared on Instagram. Why? Let’s take a look.

Why should you never touch a receipt?

After every purchase, the cashier hands you a receipt. Most people take a quick look to see whether it matches their purchase, then toss it in their wallet or purse without a second thought. Some even collect these receipts and hoard them for no reason. Dr Elliott warns that this seemingly harmless slip of paper could be secretly sabotaging your health. How? Most of these receipts contain toxic chemicals.

"Most receipts use thermal paper containing bisphenols — such as bisphenol A (BPA) — which are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. These chemicals are toxic," Dr Elliott explained. "They're the famous hormone disruptors, which could impact fertility, hormone balance, and increase the risk of certain cancers."


Studies have shown that BPA is a well-known endocrine disruptor that alters hormonal balance in people exposed to it. Exposure has been linked to conditions such as genitourinary malformations, infertility, obesity, and cancers in hormone-dependent organs, including breast cancer.

A 2019 study by researchers at the University of Granada found that 90% of purchase tickets and receipts whose ink fades over time are made of 'thermal paper', which contains bisphenol A (BPA).

"They are easily identified by the customer since they are those receipts that, after some time, lose what was printed on them and, when you go to return the trousers you bought, the cashiers say they cannot see anything. Very often, the only thing you find is a fine white powder that comes off when taking them out of the handbag or purse. BPA is, precisely, that white powder that sticks to your fingers," the researchers explained.

How to stay safe?

So does that mean you shouldn’t monitor your purchases at all? Not really. You can always opt for alternative options. 'Instead, just opt for an email receipt!' the doctor said.

The researchers in the Spanish study also urge people to proceed with caution, as most stores, restaurants and businesses provide thermal receipts. "For example, tickets should not come into contact with food — for instance, meat or fish — while unpacking it in the kitchen. Moreover, we should not crumple the tickets to throw them in the trash, play with them, write notes on them, or store them in cars, purses or handbags. In short, we should handle this kind of ticket as little as possible," they said.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.