Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Eugene Public Library has switched to paper that does not contain a chemical that may be hazardous to your health. 

Bisphenal-A, or BPA, is a chemical found in some baby bottles and food containers. And it's also sprayed on paper used for some sales receipts.

Exposure to BPA has been linked to breast cancer and other health problems.

The Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry says people could be more susceptible to BPA on paper. That's because unlike in containers, the BPA is not chemically bound — the individual molecules are loose. So BPA on a person's hands is easily transferred to their food. 

This is why the Eugene public library decided to make the shift. LaVena Nohrenberg is with the Eugene Public Library.

LaVena Nohrenberg: "We've had a few patrons who say that they're very thrilled. On the receipt, when they check out their books, there's a little message on the bottom letting them know that it's printed on BPA free paper."

The cost for the BPA free paper is 5 percent higher. Ultimately, the library hopes to eliminate receipts altogether in favor of electronic notification.