BPA-free a good choice

Updated: April 2, 2012 8:40AM

I recently introduced HB 5373 which would rid the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in cash register and other receipts and protect our families and our children. Every day citizens are exposed to BPA when they handle paper receipts containing the chemical. Employees in stores which use these receipts are particularly exposed. We have already restricted the use of BPA in baby bottles and children’s cups. Cash receipt paper which does not contain BPA is available, and it should be used in Illinois.

I commend our local food store chain, Sunset Foods, for voluntarily using cash receipt paper which does not contain BPA. National chains such as Yum Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), Whole Foods, COSTCO, Trader Joe’s and REI, also have chosen to use BPA-free receipts, which I applaud. Major paper manufacturers such as Appleton Paper provide BPA-free receipt paper which can be used by retailers, at costs similar to those receipts which contain BPA.

When major retailers abstain from using BPA in cash receipts, it is clear that concerns about BPA as an endocrine disruptor with impacts on breast and prostate cancer and fetus development have been recognized. And when local chains seek BPA-free receipts, it is additionally clear that the paper is available and cost effective for all businesses.

I hope that I will be able to pass HB 5373 this year. I am pleased that Consumers Union, the public policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, supports the legislation. In the meantime, I encourage all of our residents to minimize contact with receipts which may contain BPA, and not to allow children to play with them.

Karen May

State Representative 58th District

Highwood

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