Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound used to make polycarbonate plastics about which there is a recent concern in society. BPA has already been included in the “List of substances of very high concern” of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), since various scientific studies suggest that exposure to it may be related to the development of breast cancer, infertility, diabetes and other conditions related to an alteration in the functioning of the hormonal system.
This issue is not without controversy, since the results of the studies are contradictory and, in addition, since they are indirect effects (through hormonal alteration) and that can occur in the long term, it is more difficult to obtain evidence in this regard. It will surely take years to know exactly what the risks are and at what dose of exposure the damage to health occurs but, in the meantime, it is preferable to apply the precautionary principle and the legislation is increasingly restrictive on the use of bisphenol, especially in products for food use.
The industry is looking for alternatives to replace bisphenol A but, as a study recently published in the journal Environmental Research shows , this compound is still very present in our lives. The researchers analyzed 112 purchase receipts from Spain, France and Brazil , and detected BPA in 90% of them in the case of Spain and Brazil, and 50% in the tickets from France. In addition, the team went further and also studied the hormonal activity of the extracts from these receipts, finding anti-androgenic hormonal biological activity in all those that contained BPA.
“For the user, they are easy to identify, since they are those receipts that lose their printed matter over time and when you go to return the pants you bought, the clerk tells you that nothing is visible “, explains Nicolás Olea, researcher from the University of Granada and participant in the work. “Many times the only thing you find is a fine white powder that comes off when you remove them from your wallet or purse. BPA is precisely that white powder that stains your fingers ”.
In view of these results and waiting for the legislation, which is already strict with regard to packaging for food use, to take measures in this regard, the researchers recommend a series of precautionary measures: “For example, we should not mix the tickets with food in the kitchen when unpacking the purchase, fish or meat. Nor should we play with them, or crumple them up to throw them away, write notes or keep them in the car, purse or purse, “says Olea. ” We must, in short, manipulate these types of tickets as little as possible.”
Be careful with the alternatives
One of the options that is becoming more popular as an alternative to bisphenol A is bisphenol-S (BPS) which has a somewhat similar molecular structure but with a sulfur atom instead of a carbon one. In the French case, where, in view of the results, it seems that measures have been taken to avoid BPA in the thermal paper of receipts, BPS is the compound most commonly found.
The problem is that, as Olea explained, “BPS is also an endocrine disruptor, with greater environmental persistence and therefore cannot be a valid option.” In other words, the remedy could be worse than the disease and, furthermore, the regulation in this regard is so strict.
While measures are taken to address what may be a major public health problem, “we must reject the receipts for thermal paper and demand that the replacement of BPA in thermal paper promised in Spain for 2020 is not done by substituting it for thermal paper with BPS ”, concludes the expert.
Reference: Molina-Molina et al. 2019. Determination of bisphenol A and bisphenol S concentrations and assessment of estrogen- and anti-androgen-like activities in thermal paper receipts from Brazil, France, and Spain. Environmental Research 170, 406-415
Photo: University of Granada
