Handling Store Receipts Raises Levels of Toxic BPA
A new study that had subjects handle store receipts showed BPA absorbed through the skin stays in the body much longer than ingested BPA. The study had subjects handle common store receipts for five minutes, then wear gloves for two hours before washing their hands. BPA measurements in the subjects' urine showed BPA levels highest for the first two days after handling the receipts. After one week, three of the six volunteers still showed BPA in their urine. However, when the subjects ate a cookie with BPA, follow-up urinalysis showed BPA levels spiked after five hours but was cleared after a day. The scientists concluded that the body can more quickly metabolize and clear ingested BPA than BPA absorbed through the skin.
If you’re concerned about BPA in your everyday life and interested in learning more about how to improve your overall health and wellness, Back on Track 2 Wellness is here to help with functional medicine services in Roseville!
BPA in Everyday Food and Beverages
BPA (bisphenol-A) is the main component of polycarbonate and is found in water and beverage bottles, plastic lids, the lining of tin cans, food storage containers, dental sealants, contact lenses, and electronics. Store receipts aren't the only place people come in contact with BPA. Canned foods often contain significant amounts of the chemical — the lining in a soup can is capable of delivering one thousand percent more BPA than fresh soup. Plastic beverage bottles are another common source of exposure, especially if the bottle has been exposed to heat, light, or acids (such as soda). Plastic food containers, especially if they have been heated, are another common source. Plastic coffee lids, straws, and any other plastics that come in contact with foods deliver BPA as well.
BPA on Store Receipts
Store receipts aren't the only source of BPA that can be absorbed through the skin. Other thermal paper sources that contain high amounts of BPA include fast food receipts, ATM receipts, airline tickets, gas station receipts, lottery tickets, and fax paper.
Although this latest study had subjects handle the receipts for five minutes, previous studies have shown handling a receipt for just five seconds transfers BPA through your skin and into your bloodstream. Your skin absorbs ten times as much if your fingers are wet or greasy. You can even absorb BPA from handling cash that has been stored with receipts.
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Why BPA is Toxic to the Body
Studies have shown BPA to be problematic to human health in various ways. It has estrogen-like properties that skew hormone balances and rodent studies have shown BPA causes reproductive defects, cancer, and breakdowns in metabolic and immune health. BPA is especially toxic to a developing fetus, raising the risk of causing chromosomal errors, miscarriage, and genetic damage. The chemical is also linked to lower sperm quality, early puberty, reproductive dysfunction, cancer, heart disease, thyroid problems, insulin resistance, and obesity.
BPA raises the risk of triggering autoimmunity
Recent studies have also shown that BPA can both trigger and exacerbate autoimmune diseases due to its disruptive effect on the immune system. It has been linked to autoimmunity to nerve sheathes, the typical target of attack in multiple sclerosis, and to Hashimoto’s thyroid autoimmune disease.
BPA-free is No Guarantee
Unfortunately, products listed as “BPA-free” are not a green light either. Many non-BPA plastics also contain synthetic estrogens.
How to Reduce Your Body Burden of BPA
Reduce your exposure to BPA as much as possible by not handling receipts and avoiding plastic food and beverage containers. Additionally, help buffer BPA damage and other toxins by eating a whole foods diet and supplementing with nutritional compounds that support detoxification and cellular protection.
If you’re looking for ways to optimize your health for a happier, healthier long-term future, Back on Track 2 Wellness can help with functional medicine services in Roseville! With a functional medicine approach, we’ll help you understand how best to make lifestyle changes that limit your contact with toxins like BPA and so many more. Contact us today to get started with a consultation and to see if functional medicine is right for you.
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Dr. Todd Bunning
Roseville Chiropractor and Functional Medicine
1700 Eureka Road, Suite 190
Roseville, Ca 95661
Tel: (916) 782-3141
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Dr. Todd W. Bunning, DC, PC
Dr. Todd W. Bunning’s chiropractic and functional medicine services reach far beyond the local Roseville area, with webcam consultations available for patients in any location. With over 20+ years of Private Practice experience, Dr. Todd continues to focus on the individual: science-based methods to address whole-body health factors.
Dr. Todd’s education didn’t stop when he graduated from Life West Chiropractic College in 2003. Today, he’s continuing to receive training and is chipping away on numerous post-graduate degree programs. This unique blend of clinical health investigation and Lifestyle Medicine application helps people of all ages find the underlying factors that result in chronic disease.