Is Thermal Paper Toxic? Here's What You Should Know

Thermal paper produced by certified manufacturers is generally non-toxic when used under normal conditions and temperatures. However, exposure to high temperatures or prolonged handling may cause chemical changes. If you’ve just handled thermal paper receipts, it's best to wash your hands promptly—preferably with plain water. Avoid using alcohol-based sanitizers, and don’t touch your mouth, food, or face directly with hands that have touched receipts.

So, what exactly is thermal paper?

Thermal paper is a specially coated paper. It’s made by applying a heat-sensitive coating—called a "thermal layer"—on top of high-quality base paper. This coating contains various chemicals, including colorless dyes (most commonly fluorescent compounds) that react when heated to produce print.

One of the main concerns about thermal paper is the presence of BPA (Bisphenol A). While BPA is not a hormone, it behaves similarly to estrogen and is classified as an environmental hormone. Excessive exposure to BPA can interfere with hormone function, affect reproductive system development, and disrupt the endocrine system. In extreme cases, it may even increase the risk of cancer. However, for the general public, occasional contact with BPA from receipts is unlikely to pose a serious health risk.

That said, the market quality of thermal label paper can vary. Some products may contain excessive or poorly controlled chemical additives. That’s why it’s always recommended to purchase thermal paper from reputable suppliers.

How to Identify High-Quality Thermal Paper
1. Appearance
If the paper looks overly white, it may contain too much fluorescent whitening agent—a sign of poor-quality coating. Good thermal paper typically has a slight greenish tint. Also, check the surface: uneven brightness or texture can indicate uneven coating.

2. Fire Test
Gently heat the back of the paper with a lighter. If it turns brown, the formula might be unstable and the print will fade quickly. High-quality paper turns a deep blackish-green, with an even color that fades smoothly from the center.

3. Sunlight Test
Use a highlighter to mark printed paper and leave it under direct sunlight. The faster it turns black, the shorter its image retention. Better thermal paper resists fading longer.

After going through these explanations, we hope your concerns about thermal paper are cleared up. If you have any other questions or want professional advice, feel free to reach out to us anytime!