Bisphenol S (BPS) is a chemical used to make hard plastic items and synthetic fibers for clothing and other textiles, and as a color developer in thermal paper. It has been detected in cash register receipts, personal care products, foods, baby bottles, and other products.
BPS was added to the Proposition 65 list of chemicals that cause birth defects and other reproductive harm. The chemical became subject to the Proposition 65 warning requirements in December 2024.
To reduce your exposure to BPS from receipts, packing slips, and shipping labels, wash your hands with soap and water soon after handling those paper materials. Additionally, if a retailer provides the option, ask for an electronic receipt instead of a paper receipt to further reduce your exposure to BPS.
Under Proposition 65, businesses make their own determinations on whether they are required to provide warnings. Many retailers have determined that the thermal paper they use for their receipts, packing slips and shipping labels expose people to BPS. Some retailers are now providing warnings specifically for BPS found in the packing slips, receipts, and shipping labels. When a warning refers to a receipt, packing slip, or shipping label, the business is letting you know that the chemical, BPS, is found in the paper materials rather than the product being purchased.
