#Toothpaste

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.

A new US study has sparked concern across the global dental and consumer safety communities. Researchers tested 51 toothpaste brands and found that a large majority contained toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. The report, published in April 2025, highlights potential risks for families who rely on toothpaste daily, including children, and underscores the need for stricter oversight in Thailand and beyond.

According to investigative researchers led by a patient-safety group, about 90% of the tested brands contained detectable lead, with two-thirds showing arsenic and nearly half containing mercury. About one in three brands carried cadmium. All of these metals are classified as harmful to health, and exposure is associated with cognitive, kidney, and cardiovascular issues, with children being especially vulnerable. Public health experts emphasize that no safe level of lead exposure exists, particularly for young children.