According to a recent report, bisphenol-A, also called BPA, has been found in cash register receipts.

BPA causes reproductive problems and may also result in life threatening diseases like cancer as it disrupts the endocrine system of the body.

Sources reveal that 40% of the receipts gathered by the U.S. organization Environmental Working Group contain this chemical.

A laboratory test on 36 receipts collected form automated teller machines and also from the major retailers like KFC, Wal-Mart, Safeway and McDonald's confirmed the contamination.

They found that the levels of BPA on receipts were around 250 to 1,000 times found in plastic bottle and food.

Canada was the first country to prohibit the sale and import of baby bottles containing this dangerous chemical.

BPA is used as a liner in food cans and also as a hardening agent in bottles.

Dave Andrews of the Environmental Working Group reveals that the retail workers are at a higher risk of infection as they handle the cash receipts all day long.

He disclosed to the CBC News that BPA levels in the receipt are high.

However, the amount of BPA levels which would go to the body have not yet been determined and separate studies would be conducted for the purpose.