Studies Show Bisphenol-A Absorbed Through Skin

Two recently published studies show that bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, can be absorbed through the skin. This means that cashiers and others who regularly handle receipts made with the chemical are at risk for higher exposures than the general public. BPA is used as a color developer in thermal-imaging paper—the type used in many credit card machines and cash registers.

One of the studies looked at the diffusion of BPA through porcine and human skin and found that a significant amount of the chemical made it through the skin. The other study measured levels of BPA in the urine of pregnant women; cashiers had higher concentrations of the chemical than teachers and industrial workers.

These studies add to growing concerns about BPA, which is found in the linings of food cans, plastic bottles, and some building materials. For more, see “Fears Grow With Polycarbonate Chemical Bisphenol-A,” EBN June 2008.