A controversial compound bisphenol A (BPA), found in thermal paper, can enter a person's body through touch and could harm an individual if there is consistent exposure, two studies have revealed.

Animal trials of the chemical have found that high doses of BPA is harmful. The chemical is also found in most people in Western countries.

Now evidence suggests that even low doses could be harmful, particularly for pregnant women. Scientists also advise against the use of the chemical, used in plastics manufacturing, in babies bottles. Though the chemical is found in plastics, the dangerous application is in thermal paper.

“It would be smart to advise pregnant women to avoid or wash their hands after touching till receipts.” Daniel Zalko, a toxologisct at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, Paris.

His research published in Chemosphere1, says that BPA levels in the general population appear to be higher than doses theoretically received through food and drink."In the same way we advise people not to use polycarbonate-based baby bottles, it would be smart to advise pregnant women to avoid or wash their hands after touching these sorts of papers, “said Zalko.