The tiny habit that reduces your BPA exposure (without trying)
Going low-tox can be low-effort.
This is the first in a series I’m calling Microhabits That Actually Move the Needle—small, sanity-saving shifts that make a real difference without overhauling your life.
At this point, trying to avoid toxins in your everyday life can start to feel like a bit of a minefield. The reality is, you’re not going to dodge every potentially harmful chemical—they’re in the water, soil, and environment around us.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to. And you can make meaningful reductions in how much you’re exposed to—without losing your mind or turning your life upside down. It’s often those smaller, less obvious habits that make the biggest difference.
Like receipts.
You probably don’t think much about it when the cashier hands you one. You drop it in the shopping bag, or stuff it into your wallet.
The thing is, most receipts are coated with chemicals that have been linked to health concerns—and those chemicals can transfer onto your skin the second you make contact. (If you handle receipts regularly at work, don’t panic—I included some practical tips below.)
Here’s what to know.
TL;DR
Skip the receipt when you can, or ask for a digital version instead.
It’s an easy way to reduce your exposure to BPA—no overhaul required.
What is BPA (and why do people care)?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make hard plastic items (like water bottles), epoxy resins (like the coating inside food cans) and synthetic fabric fibers (like polyester-, nylon-, and spandex-based materials).
We know that BPA acts as an endocrine disruptor (altering hormone function) and may negatively impact the reproductive system, immune system, and metabolism.
In recent years, BPA has increasingly been replaced with bisphenol S (BPS)—but it’s not necessarily safer. Research shows it can have similarly harmful effects.
👉 Remember: You’re not trying to eliminate it from your life completely—just reduce unnecessary contact whenever you can.
Receipts are a sneaky source of BPA/BPS
More than 75% of paper receipts contain BPA or BPS, heat-sensitive chemicals used to develop the ink.
Studies show that the free (unbound) BPA on receipt paper can transfer fairly easily onto skin. As for BPS, although it seems to absorb less easily and quickly—it can still penetrate the skin and continue absorbing even after you wash your hands.
Research has shown that in some cases, touching a BPS-containing receipt for just 10 seconds results in significant exposure.
Certain factors, like using hand sanitizer right before handling receipts, can increase how much BPA or BPS gets into your system.
What I do instead
Say “I don’t need the receipt, thanks” in cases where you know you won’t have to return or exchange something.
Opt for email or text receipts whenever available (many major retailers like CVS, Target, Whole Foods, Apple, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom offer this).
Ask the cashier to place the receipt straight into the bag as long as it won’t be touching food or clothing directly. At home, keep an envelope or designated spot where you can drop it.
Wash your hands as soon as you’re able if and when you do touch a receipt. (But remember the WELL-BENT motto: Stress is anti-well). This is especially important if you’re sitting down to a meal after your shopping trip: Studies have found that people absorb way more BPA when they eat food after handling receipts.
Quick note for retail workers: Just because you work in a restaurant or a store doesn’t mean you have to show up to work in a hazmat suit.
The most helpful strategies are to avoid hand sanitizer right before handling receipts, and wash your hands right before eating—especially finger foods).
Another option? Consider wearing gloves when you’re at the cash register. Sure, it may feel extra. Just remind yourself that looking a little *eccentric* is a small price to pay for a habit that makes a meaningful difference in your health long-term.
Also, Prince rocked gloves indoors during the Purple Rain era.
Reality check: What actually matters here
To be clear, this is not about perfection. You don’t need to stress over handling the occasional receipt.
Receipts aren’t the biggest source of BPA or BPS—they’re just an easy-to-avoid one. The goal isn’t to eliminate exposure entirely—that would be an impossible, exhausting feat. It’s to reduce the small, repeated exposures that add up over time—especially when there’s an easy alternative, like skipping the receipt.
The bottom line
You don’t need a full low-tox overhaul.
Sometimes it’s as simple as just… not grabbing the receipt.