Is There Toxic Waste In Your Toothpaste?

 Is There Toxic Waste in His Toothpaste?

At least once a day most of us put this stuff in our mouths. But what is it? Estimates suggest that you'll find up to twice as much fluoride in some toothpastes than in fluoridated water. So what? While all products aren't created equal, many contain some or all of the following:

• Sodium Fluoride: We've been told it's an important agent used to strengthen tooth enamel. 
• Source: A waste product of the aluminum industry.
• Purpose: To strengthen tooth enamel.
• Toxicity: More toxic than lead, according to LD 50 data supplied to the Fluoride Action Network 1 
• EPA Classification: Contaminant. Maximum contaminant level raised from 1.4-2.4 mg per liter to 4 mg/l , 2006: National Research Council Recommends to EPA to lower limit. No action to do so.
• Other: Used as rat poison in New Zealand. Harmful to cats and dogs. 
• Fact: New Zealand study: Children in non-fluoridated cities had fewer cavities, far less dental enamel mottling and better teeth than those in the fluoridated cities 2,3. Subsequent studies by Marc Diesnedorf 4,5. Now, check this out: Don't Swallow Your Toothpaste.
  
• As of April 7th, 1997, the United States FDA has required that all fluoride toothpastes sold in the U.S. carry a poison warning on the label, with the following cautions to toothpaste users: "WARNING: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately." Why the Need for a Warning? One of the little-known facts about fluoride toothpaste, is that each tube of toothpaste - even those specifically marketed for children - contains enough fluoride to kill a child.
• The Neurotoxicity Of Fluoride In Drinking Water. Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy Links to Learning Disabilities,Attention Deficit and Behavior Disorders ...... But, there may be more......Continued- Is There Toxic Waste in Your Toothpaste?
• Titanium Dioxide:
• Source: Minerals
• Purpose: Pigment. In this case, for whiter whites. Also deodorizes, thickens and sterilizes.
• Other Uses: Added to ink, paint. paper, tile, cement and more.
• Toxicity: "Titanium dioxide has recently been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 2B carcinogen "possibly carcinogenic to humans.” Evidence that it is indeed a carcinogenic in humans has not been established.6 But according to the agency: “The engineers of these nano-particles should always take into consideration the length of the particles they are creating. Eventually these particles could be the next occupational or environmental exposure of consequence. Next ( hard to believe, but there may be still more) 
• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate:
• Source: Coconuts and palm oil. But does that mean it’s healthy? .
• "Is Sodium Laurel Sulfate a Natural Surfactant- (excerpt):" 

 “The manufacturing processes used to create sodium lauryl sulfate are still subject to tainting with dioxins even when they are produced from plant sources. Benzenes may also be present as impurities. These toxins are carcinogenic and are harmful to the unborn”.

• Purpose: Surfactant. Cleans caustically by breaking down the water barrier, and cell walls.The foaming agent in your toothpaste. Also, attacks grease.
• Other uses: floor cleaners, shampoo, degreasers
• Toxicity: Primary skin irritant. 2004. British Journal of Dermatology.
• Other: Irritates membranes and breaks down oils in skin.
• EPA: Registered as a rat poison.

The Environmental Working Group also suggests you avoid toothpastes containing:

• Triclosan: According to the EWG, it's" linked to thyroid disruption, produces toxic byproducts in tap water".
• PEG Compounds: See the list of these here.  According to this great not for profit environmental  watchdog group, these petrochemicals "may contain cancer causing impurities."

 ✔ Conclusion: You decide. First, consider the combined effect of  those toothpastes or mouthwashes containing these ingredients ( not all do) with other substances such as fluoridated water. Now, ad in the other, almost countless sources, of toxic overload in our environment.

 ✔ Informed Recommendation: Either get out of town, to a planet like Pluto, or purchase toothpaste void of this yucky stuff. Opt for those containing:

•  Tea tree oil ( such as Desert Essence brand toothpaste with Tea Tree oil)  or
•  Fennel with ginger ( ie Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste with Fennel and Ginger).

Those ranked the highest by the EWG, with the lowest risk for harm, are Peelu Company branded toothpastes, produced by Swanson Health Products.  But note that sorbitol is listed as the first ingredient.

So, is there toxic waste in your toothpaste? If nothing else gets rid of my gophers, I'll go for it.  

1 Robert E. Gospel , Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, 1984 5th Edition: www.fluoridealert.org/health/accidents/f-lead.html)

2 www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/brand/Desert_Essence/" Desert Essence
3 www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/company/Desert_Essence/" Desert Essence
4 Nature. 1986. volume 322, pg..... 125-129. The mystery of declining tooth decay. Diesendorf
5 www.sustainabilitycentre.com.au/FluoridePublics.html"
6 From Pubmed Central: Particle and Fiber Technology..”Particle length- dependent titanium dioxide nano-materials toxicity and bioactivity”. PMCID: PMC2806338. Dec. 31, doi. 1186/1743-8977-6-35. Hamilton et al.

Copyright, Randy Karp, 2010. All rights reserved. No contents of this article maybe reproduced, copied or presented without expressed written permission from the author.