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Widespread Heavy Metal Contamination Found in Popular Toothpaste Brands

Lead Safe Mama's independent testing reveals toxic metals in 90% of tested toothpastes, sparking calls for stricter regulatory standards.

Common toothpaste brands may be harboring toxic metals like lead and arsenic.
Popular toothpaste brands contain dangerous heavy metals, including lead and arsenic, according to new research
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Overview

  • Independent lab tests commissioned by Lead Safe Mama found lead in 90% of 51 toothpaste brands, with arsenic, mercury, and cadmium also detected in many products.
  • Several brands exceeded Washington State's 1,000 ppb lead limit for cosmetics, though all were below the FDA's 10,000 ppb threshold for toothpaste.
  • Children under six are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, which can cause severe developmental and health issues, according to health experts.
  • Five toothpaste brands, including Dr. Brown's Baby Toothpaste and Orajel Training Toothpaste, tested free of lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium, offering safer alternatives.
  • Contamination may stem from common ingredients like calcium carbonate, hydroxyapatite, and bentonite clay, often used for cleaning or whitening.