Is it safe to use thermal paper receipts while pregnant?
No. Thermal paper receipts are coated in bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that absorbs through your skin and is linked to health risks during pregnancy.
What's actually in it
Thermal paper receipts are not just paper. They are coated with bisphenol A (BPA). This chemical is used to make the ink appear when heat is applied during printing. It is not bonded to the paper, which means it can easily transfer to your hands when you touch it.
Because your skin is porous, BPA doesn't just sit on your fingers. It absorbs directly into your body. This is a significant issue for anyone, but it carries extra weight during pregnancy when your body is more sensitive to chemical exposure.
What the research says
A 2026 study in the J Pak Med Assoc identifies thermal paper receipts as a major, overlooked source of BPA exposure. The study highlights that dermal absorption, or absorption through the skin, is a primary way this chemical enters your system during daily tasks.
The risks go beyond simple exposure. According to a 2026 study in the J Endocr Soc, prenatal exposure to bisphenols is linked to gestational diabetes mellitus. This peer-reviewed research confirms that these chemicals can disrupt your endocrine system during pregnancy.
Furthermore, a 2026 study in the Int J Hyg Environ Health notes that BPA and similar chemicals like BPF are persistent concerns for reproductive health. When you handle receipts, you are adding to your total body burden of these hormone-disrupting chemicals.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
Browse our vetted, non-toxic alternatives. Every product is third-party certified.
Shop Non-Toxic Home