This specific study aims to give a brief idea about the harmful health effects of BPA in thermal papers with data analysis and also current situation analysis on the awareness level of people on this matter. Through this study Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO hopes that it will highlight the urgent need for research for BPA- free cash receipts in Bangladesh and push the government to initiate further research and regulatory measures on BPA in thermal papers and other products.
This report included information gathered from physical surveys of retailers and consumers and laboratory assessments of cash receipts/ thermal papers. To assess the situation and public perception on Bisphenol-A (BPA) in thermal papers used in popular outlets in Bangladesh. A baseline survey had been conducted physically through questionnaires and carried out from February 2019 to January 2020 on total of 1350 people (Consumer and retailers). Besides, more than 40 cash receipts have been collected from local shops (Fast food shop, restaurants, pharmacy etc.) and ATM booths of the surveyed areas. Surveyed population recognizes the thermal papers as slips but unfortunately, 0% surveyed population unknown or unaware of BPA-containing thermal paper and its harmful effects. Laboratory tests of thermal papers indicated the presence of BPA in quantities ranging from 10 – 53 µg/cm2. All the receipt samples have a higher percentage of BPA (0.8% – 3.7% by weight) than the EU permissible limit (0.02% by weight) which shows us the severity of the situation.
