THERMAL PAPER & BISPHENOL A (BPA)
There would have been times when you wondered how the credit
card swipe machine instantly prints receipts, does it have a printer or
something like that?, but once the receipt is handed over you forget. This should have been the scenario for many,come lets check out details on it.
What is thermal paper?
Thermal paper is a specially designed paper to make possible inkless printing.
How does it differ from regular paper?
Thermal Paper has many additions to regular paper, it
consists of three layers which includes
1. regular paper as substrate
2. Base layer made with alkaline salts, gelatin and starch.
3. Top Active layer has chemical coating which includes Bisphenol A (BPA) as developer
How printing is done on thermal paper?
Print appears on the thermal paper as a reaction to heat on the chemical coating of the thermal paper.
Is it safe to use thermal paper?
The fear behind using thermal paper is due to the presence of the chemical BPA. Though it is well known as an Endocrine Disruptor, exposture to it through thermal paper is not much as a common man. But when the exposture is continuous it may not be safe in the long run this is with regard to people who handle it on the job.
Are there different types of thermal paper?
Yes, there are quiet a few types of thermal paper though it all seams like one.They are usually differentiated on the basis of gsm, image life and sensitivity.
Is BPA free thermal paper available?
Yes, BPA free thermal papers are available but are quiet costly, to put them to regular use.
Is it recyclable?
Thermal paper is not recyclable as it contains chemicals coated on it.
Though we have discussed about BPA in thermal paper there are several other products which contain BPA, it begins anywhere from baby pacifiers to canned foods. It is wise to keep away from these products to bring down production.
Do leave in your comments on thermal paper, you can also add more value to the content with more information.
