A recent US-based investigation has rocked the dental care industry, with new research revealing that the majority of toothpaste brands—some specifically marketed for children or as “green” alternatives—are contaminated with toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. The findings, released in April 2025, have raised serious public health concerns for families worldwide, including in Thailand, where toothpaste is a staple in daily hygiene routines and global brands are widely used.
The investigation, spearheaded by Lead Safe Mama and extensively covered by The Guardian (full article here), tested 51 toothpaste brands, finding that a shocking 90% contained lead. Of all tested brands, 65% showed arsenic traces, just under half harbored mercury, and about a third revealed cadmium. Particularly concerning is that these elements are all classified as carcinogens and can lead to a host of serious health consequences, especially in young children, for whom lead exposure is infamous for causing cognitive damage, kidney impairment, and cardiovascular problems (CDC reference). Dr. Tamara Rubin, Lead Safe Mama’s founder, stated: “It’s unconscionable—especially in 2025—that such contamination persists, particularly in products marketed toward kids.”
Why should Thai readers pay close attention? The issue is far from isolated. Thailand, like many countries, relies heavily on both international and “natural” toothpaste brands, many of which are represented in this study. Furthermore, Thai cultural norms place significant emphasis on oral hygiene, with products for children, seniors, and the health-conscious often imported or bearing labels such as “organic” or “natural.” However, as the study points out, even brands marketed as “green” or children-safe are not immune to contamination (Times of India report).
Key findings from the US research include specific brands exceeding the strict state of Washington’s allowable lead limits, though not yet violating more lenient US federal standards. Public health advocates and toxicology experts have criticized federal thresholds, arguing that no lead exposure level is truly safe—particularly for vulnerable populations. For perspective, while Washington now limits lead in toothpaste to 1,000 parts per billion (ppb), the US FDA’s standard is a staggering 10,000 ppb for fluoride-free and 20,000 ppb for fluoride toothpastes. Notably, most toothpastes analyzed in the study exceeded the thresholds recommended for children’s foods (10 ppb as proposed in the stalled US Baby Food Safety Act of 2024) yet fell below these far higher federal thresholds.
According to Rubin, the contaminants in toothpaste appear to originate from specific ingredients commonly added to the products, such as hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, and especially bentonite clay—employed for their abrasive and remineralizing properties. Testing of these raw materials revealed worrisome levels of heavy metals, implicating them as the likely source. Products containing bentonite clay, in particular, tended to have the highest concentrations of lead and other metals, while toothpastes free of these ingredients (e.g., Dr. Brown’s Baby Toothpaste) showed none of the concerning contaminants.
Industry responses to the findings have been mixed. Some toothpaste manufacturers argue that trace lead and heavy metal contamination is an unavoidable consequence of environmental pollution, and that minute levels detected are not a public health threat. Others have attempted to deflect criticism through legal threats rather than pledging reform, with several issuing cease-and-desist letters to the researchers behind the investigation. However, current scientific consensus—as highlighted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and numerous academic reviews—maintains that there is no safe exposure level to lead, especially for young children (WHO background).
From a Thailand-specific standpoint, these revelations should prompt both consumers and regulators to act with renewed vigilance. Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (อย.) is tasked with regulating imported and domestic personal care products, including toothpaste. In light of the US findings, there may be an urgent need to update screening and regulatory procedures, test local and imported toothpaste brands for heavy metals, and align standards with global best practices. This is especially important given the persistent history of toxic ingredients found in personal care products sold in Thailand. Notably, previous studies on cosmetic safety in Asia—such as a 2022 quality and safety investigation published in a peer-reviewed journal—have already established that toothpastes and similar products frequently harbor lead, chromium, arsenic, and other heavy metals (PubMed study).
Thai society has a deep reverence for children’s health, as evidenced by long-standing campaigns against environmental lead (สารตะกั่ว) and other toxic exposures, including crackdowns on illegal cosmetics in major cities (Thai FDA reports). However, questionable regulatory gaps or insufficient surveillance can allow contaminated products to reach consumers, especially as online shopping platforms expand the list of available products, many of which are imported directly from overseas.
Lead contamination in consumer products is not new—past scandals involving imported cosmetics, paints, ceramics, and contaminated herbs have repeatedly demonstrated vulnerabilities in global supply chains (see Wikipedia). Because toothpaste is used daily and often swallowed in small amounts by children, chronic exposure—even to trace levels of lead, arsenic, or mercury—may accumulate over time, raising the risk of developmental, neurological, and organ damage. The situation is further complicated by differences in international safety standards and the ingredient sourcing for so-called “natural” or “herbal” formulas, which are often perceived as safer by Thai consumers.
Looking ahead, the current research is likely to spur intense scrutiny of oral care products around the world. Thai authorities may soon find themselves compelled to conduct comprehensive testing campaigns, update public safety advisories, and perhaps even introduce new supply chain controls for toothpaste manufacturers and importers. Consumers are likely to grow more sceptical of unregulated claims—whether “herbal,” “natural,” or “organic”—without clear scientific transparency or independent verification. International momentum may build toward harmonized heavy metal limits for all personal care products, mirroring what is now standard practice for foods and drinking water.
For Thai families, dentists, and health-conscious citizens, the practical lessons are clear: Scrutinize ingredient lists and sources—avoid toothpastes with unverified or unnecessary mineral additives such as bentonite clay or hydroxyapatite unless third-party safety has been assured. Pay special attention to toothpaste marketed for children, who are most susceptible to toxic effects. When in doubt, consult with dentists or pharmacists for professional recommendations, and report any suspicious products or health reactions to consumer protection authorities.
In conclusion, while the latest US study does not implicate every single toothpaste brand—indeed, some products tested clean—most contained disturbing levels of heavy metals. Thailand’s combination of high oral hygiene awareness and a love for imported brands means the risk is real, and vigilance, both at the regulatory and household level, is urgently required. For now, Thai consumers are encouraged to: choose toothpaste brands with transparent ingredient sourcing, look for certifications or safety test results, and advocate for stronger government oversight of personal care products to keep Thai smiles healthy and safe for generations to come.
Sources:
- The Guardian: Toothpaste widely contaminated with lead and other metals, US research finds
- Times of India: Dangerous heavy metals detected in popular toothpaste brands
- CDC: Lead in the environment and health effects
- WHO: Lead poisoning and health
- PubMed: Quality and safety investigation of commonly used topical cosmetic preparations
- Wikipedia: Lead contamination in consumer products