Harmful heavy metals in toothpaste? US study urges caution

A new research around 51 toothpaste brands revealed the presence of heavy metals including lead and mercury

The Week News, April 19, 2025 :  Is your toothpaste safe? Brushing your teeth twice daily is recommended by experts. It not only protects our teeth from germs but also helps in preventing future heart issues as well. However, the toxic contents involved in toothpaste do more damage than protection. 

A recent research by the US consumer advocacy group Lead Safe Mama revealed that around 51 toothpaste brands, including major ones, showed the presence of lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. These toxic substances could be posing serious health hazards to adults and children alike. 

The studies conducted around 51 toothpaste brands showed that 90 per cent of them contained lead, 65 per cent arsenic, 50 per cent contained mercury and one-third had cadmium. 

The presence of toxic ingredients in toothpaste was revealed about 12 years ago when Tamara Rubin - Lead Safe Mama's founder- noted high-metal contamination in children's blood. 

In the wake of the new revelations, Rubin said that none of the companies found to have these toxic contents have adopted measures to eliminate lead from their toothpastes. 

Rubin has used XRF lead detection to detect high levels of heavy metals. 

Though several companies defended their products by arguing that traces of lead are unavoidable due to environmental exposure, others dismissed the reports. 

The Baby Food Safety Act of 2024, proposes a 10 parts per billion (ppb) lead limit for children's food. California has an even stricter 6 ppb limit. However, the FDA allows up to 10,000 ppb of lead in fluoride-free toothpaste and 20,000 ppb in fluoride varieties. 

What is heavy metal poisoning? 

Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of heavy metals, in toxic amounts, in the soft tissues of the body. 

Hidden dangers of heavy metals

The presence of a high rate of heavy metals in blood levels prevents cells from performing their functions. They can cause health issues including cardiac issues and can also cause liver injury. 

High lead content can also cause brain and kidney damage in children. Also, mercury, arsenic and cadmium are considered carcinogens. 

Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning

1. Abdominal pain

2. Dehydration

3. Vomiting

4. Nausea

5. Chills or low body temperature

6. Itchy throat

7. Numbness in your hands and feet

In severe cases, it could cause memory loss, abnormal heartbeat, kidney, and liver damage and anemia.