A recent investigation found that many toothpaste brands in the U.S. contain harmful metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. The group Lead Safe Mama tested 51 toothpastes and found nearly 90% had lead. Some of the worst results came from toothpastes that included bentonite clay or other common ingredients like hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate. These metals can be harmful to health, especially for children.
The testing showed that most toothpastes stayed within current federal safety limits, but many still went over newer limits set by Washington state. Health experts warn that there is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children, as even small amounts can cause serious health issues. Lead can affect brain development in children, and other metals found in the toothpaste can also be toxic.
Despite these findings, most toothpaste manufacturers have not responded or made changes to their formulations. A few children’s brands, like Dr. Brown’s Baby Toothpaste, did not test positive for any metals. Experts suggest checking ingredient labels and choosing products that do not contain bentonite clay or similar additives until stronger regulations are in place.
SOURCE: