Heather McFarlane of environmental charity Fidra (www.fidra.org.uk) explores the hidden costs of receipts and the chemicals retailers are handing you every time you shop. Whether it is Black Friday, Christmas shopping or refreshing your winter wardrobe, at this time of year everybody seems to be heading to the shops and racking up receipts. But are we picking up more than we … [Read more...] about It all adds up: the chemical cost of receipts
Thermal paper
Use of endocrine disrupting chemical BPS in thermal paper is increasing, but where’s the action?
On March 27th CHEM Trust published the "Toxic Soup" report, which examined how industry is being allowed to replace the well-known hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), with very similar chemicals that may also be harmful, for example bisphenol S (BPS). The day before we had sent letters to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Food Safety Authority … [Read more...] about Use of endocrine disrupting chemical BPS in thermal paper is increasing, but where’s the action?
Companies putting public health at risk by replacing one harmful chemical with similar, potentially toxic, alternatives
A new report “From BPA to BPZ: a toxic soup? How companies switch from a known hazardous chemical to one with similar properties, and how regulators could stop them”, published today by CHEM Trust, highlights how industry is being allowed to replace the well-known hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), with very similar chemicals that may also be harmful. BPA is … [Read more...] about Companies putting public health at risk by replacing one harmful chemical with similar, potentially toxic, alternatives
EU Chemical Agency committee agrees that Bisphenol A in receipts poses risk to workers
The hormone disrupting chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in many till (cash) receipts, and the French government has proposed that the EU should ban this use. This proposal has been under discussion in the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), who have just stated that they agree with the French government that this chemical presents a risk to … [Read more...] about EU Chemical Agency committee agrees that Bisphenol A in receipts poses risk to workers
REACH helps the circular economy clean up, facilitating sustainable recycling
On 24th March I took part in an event in Brussels, organised by EurActiv, discussing the relationship between the REACH chemicals regulations and the Circular Economy, in particular the interaction between REACH & recycling. The other panelists included representatives of the European Commission (both DG Environment and DG Growth), the plastic pipe industry and an MEP, Paul … [Read more...] about REACH helps the circular economy clean up, facilitating sustainable recycling
Are there safer alternatives to Bisphenol A in thermal paper?
The French government has proposed that there should be a ban on the use of hormone disrupting chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper (e.g. till receipts) - but industry is now arguing that the alternatives are less well understood. Since the French Government's proposal for an EU wide ban on BPA in thermal paper, which CHEM Trust has supported, further research has been … [Read more...] about Are there safer alternatives to Bisphenol A in thermal paper?
Hormone disrupting chemical Bisphenol A can transfer from receipts into our bloodstream
Update: The use of BPA in thermal paper has been restricted in the European Union since 2020. However, there is evidence that another bisphenol BPS is being used as a replacement. This chemical also has concerning health properties. To protect the health of people and the environment, CHEM Trust is calling for a robust and comprehensive restriction on all bisphenols in consumer … [Read more...] about Hormone disrupting chemical Bisphenol A can transfer from receipts into our bloodstream
Hormone disrupting Bisphenol A should be banned from use in thermal paper
The hormone disrupting chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is currently used in around 70% of thermal paper in the EU - the paper that is used for many till receipts in shops. The French Government has proposed that there should be an EU-wide ban on this use of Bisphenol A, due to the risks to workers and consumers. Their detailed submission is available on the European Chemical Agency … [Read more...] about Hormone disrupting Bisphenol A should be banned from use in thermal paper
