title: Levels of bisphenol-A in thermal paper receipts from Belgium and estimation of human exposure.
abstract: Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a commonly used color developer in thermal paper. In this application, BPA is present in its free, unbound form and can be readily released, making thermal paper a potential source for human exposure. In this study, BPA was determined in 44 thermal paper samples collected in Belgium. BPA was detected in all the samples; 73% of the samples had concentrations between 0.9% and 2.1% (between 9 and 21 mg BPA/g paper), while the remaining 27% of the samples had concentrations below 0.01% (0.1mg BPA/g paper). The BPA concentrations measured in thermal paper were comparable with those reported in other international studies. Since thermal paper is a feedstock for paper recycling processes, contamination of other "BPA-free" papers can occur. An estimation of human exposure through thermal paper results in a median intake of 445 ng BPA/day for the general population, which corresponds to an exposure of 6.4 ng/kg bw/day for a person of 70 kg. The exposure of those people who come occupationally in contact with thermal paper can be much higher.
authors: Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors: Tinne
authors: T
authors: Geens
authors: Leo
authors: L
authors: Goeyens
authors: Kurunthachalam
authors: K
authors: Kannan
authors: Hugo
authors: H
authors: Neels
authors: Adrian
authors: A
authors: Covaci
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D001530:Belgium; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010209:Paper; D010636:Phenols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D010636:Phenols; C006780:bisphenol A; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds