Dollar bills have been found to be contaminated with bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disrupting chemical. Previous studies have shown that store receipts contain BPA and it is believed that the BPA is then transferred to money. This unbound BPA can then easily be transferred to the skin and get absorbed into the body in amounts nearly equal to that from exposure to drink and food sources.
BPA is chiefly used in the making of plastics and is found in plastic bottles, including baby bottles, and the inside lining of canned foods. It is also used as a color developer, that’s why it is found on store receipts. BPA interferes with the normal functioning of hormones and is linked to numerous negative health effects, such as birth defects, obesity, and breast and prostate cancer. Sadly, a Center for Disease Control study found BPA in 95% of the people tested.
While we wait for regulation of this dangerous chemical, we can do our best to avoid our exposure to it. Try limiting canned foods and drinks, avoiding plastic food and drink storage containers, and handling receipts with care. I recommend hand washing to remove BPA residue on the skin, especially after handling receipts and money.
BPA is chiefly used in the making of plastics and is found in plastic bottles, including baby bottles, and the inside lining of canned foods. It is also used as a color developer, that’s why it is found on store receipts. BPA interferes with the normal functioning of hormones and is linked to numerous negative health effects, such as birth defects, obesity, and breast and prostate cancer. Sadly, a Center for Disease Control study found BPA in 95% of the people tested.
While we wait for regulation of this dangerous chemical, we can do our best to avoid our exposure to it. Try limiting canned foods and drinks, avoiding plastic food and drink storage containers, and handling receipts with care. I recommend hand washing to remove BPA residue on the skin, especially after handling receipts and money.
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