CW Vol 2. Ed. 7 - Toxic Touch: The Hidden Dangers of Receipts!
The Sneaky Danger of Register Receipts! Research shows that BPA can be absorbed within seconds through the skin, making it nearly impossible to avoid exposure without precautions.
And here’s a fact that might surprise you—the average person unknowingly consumes about 5 grams of plastic every week, equivalent to eating a credit card! If we aren’t careful, everyday interactions with plastics, including thermal receipts, could have long-term consequences for our health.
What’s the Risk? Many receipts are coated with BPA or BPS—chemicals used to develop the printed text but known for their harmful effects on human health. These endocrine disruptors can interfere with the body's hormonal system, leading to serious health consequences, including:
Hormonal imbalances – BPA and BPS mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting natural hormone levels, which can affect everything from mood to metabolism.
Increased risk of certain cancers – Long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to higher risks of breast and prostate cancers.
Reproductive health concerns – Studies show that BPA exposure can reduce fertility in both men and women, affecting egg quality, sperm count, and overall reproductive function.
Metabolic issues and obesity – BPA has been connected to insulin resistance, leading to a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Neurological effects – There is growing evidence that exposure to BPA may be associated with developmental and behavioral problems, particularly in children and infants.
Cardiovascular problems – Some research suggests BPA exposure may increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
How to Dodge the Risk: Here’s how to keep those sneaky chemicals at bay -
Go digital: Whenever possible, say “No thanks” to paper and opt for e-receipts.
Wash those hands: If you do handle receipts, wash up before eating or touching your face.
Use barriers: Sorting receipts often? Consider gloves or tongs—yes, tongs!
Store wisely: Keep receipts in a separate bag or envelope, not directly in your wallet or pockets. Spread the word: Share this information with your family and friends.
Wash Your Hands - Especially Before Handling Food and Eating!
Even brief handling of receipts can allow these chemicals to be absorbed through the skin, especially if your hands are wet or oily. Over time, this buildup of microplastics and harmful chemicals can have lasting consequences on our bodies.
Given the frequent touching of industrial chemicals in our industry, it’s always a good practice to wash your hands before eating or handling food—not just after handling receipts. Being mindful of what you put into your body is one of the simplest ways to protect your health, and clean hands are an easy first step.
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2/12/2025
CW Vol 2. Ed. 2 - Teflon Cookware
Non-stick cookware, typically coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, has been a kitchen staple for decades. While these products offer convenience and ease of cleaning, they come with risks:
Toxic Fumes at High Temperatures: Overheating your non-stick pan can release fumes that may cause flu-like symptoms (called "polymer fume fever”). These fumes can also harm birds, so if you have feathered friends, take extra care—or better yet, swap that pan!
Environmental Concerns: The production of Teflon involves per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are persistent environmental pollutants linked to health risks. Food packaging and firefighter foams also contain PFAS!
Wear and Tear: Scratches or peeling on the non-stick surface might lead to tiny particles ending up in your food. While the long-term effects are still unclear, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Click here to read the health risks of non-stick chemicals and swaps if you are ready to find healthier alternatives!
1/8/2025
CW Vol 2. Ed. 1 - Cleaning Products
Did you know that what’s lurking under your sink might be more harmful than helpful? Traditional cleaning products often come packed with ingredients we can barely pronounce—phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde releasers—that sound more like science experiments than household helpers. While they might scrub a surface, they could also irritate our lungs, disrupt our hormones, or leave a toxic trail behind. These endocrine disruptors can also have a direct effect on respiratory pathways in our noses and cause allergies and asthma. Yikes!
But here’s the good news: cleaning doesn’t have to be the culprit of poor indoor air quality. Karalynne Call, founder of Just Ingredients, emphasizes the importance of choosing non-toxic, natural cleaning alternatives to reduce exposure to these harmful substances.
Click here to read more and learn about swaps for toxic cleaners!
1/1/2025