High levels of bisphenol A are found in all world paper currencies tested and are a probably source of exposure. - GreenMedInfo Summary

The sources of human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) are not well characterized. Little is known about the presence of BPA in paper products, especially in paper currencies, and its implications for human exposure. In this study, paper currencies from 21 countries (N = 156) were analyzed for BPA, which was measured in 19 mm punches taken from three spots on the paper currencies. BPA was found in all paper currencies at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 82.7µg/g (mean 5.21; median 1.13) and tho concentrations in samples taken from the middle portion of the currencies were higher than those taken from peripheral portions. We also examined the transfer of BPA from thermal receipt paper to currencies by placing currencies in contact with thermal receiptpapers for 24 h in a wallet. Concentrations of BPA dramatically increased after 24 h of contact with thermal receipt papers, suggesting that thermal receipt paper is a major source of BPA in paper currencies. The estimated daily intake of BPA through dermal absorption from handling paper currencieswas on the order of a few nanograms per day.