Harmful substances to watch out for in toothpaste products
May 30, 2014 | Filed under: Consumer Business | Author: Anne Agbaje
Consumers are exposed to thousands of untested chemicals that range from endocrine disruptors in soaps, toothpastes, shampoo, makeup, etc. Hence, with a growing need for convenience among a larger working population, most well informed consumers are now more conscious as they now read labels when they go out to purchase goods from the store.
Triclosan is an ingredient added to consumer products ranging from toothpaste, hand wash and body washes, and even children’s toys to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It is also added to antibacterial soaps and body washes.
For some consumers, they purchase toothpaste products and all these other items without bothering to read the list of ingredients making it up, trusting manufacturers to have the customer’s best interest at heart. So, when you are at the store next time, read those labels. For instance, toothpaste(s) contain several potentially harmful ingredients, including some that can lead to serious long-term health problems.
Sodium fluoride
Dentists have praised the virtues of fluoride for years, claiming it’s the best defence against tooth decay. Fluoride supposedly builds strong, healthy teeth. In reality, sodium fluoride, a by-product of aluminium manufacturing, can also be found in rat poisons and industrial pesticides.
Latest report by Akron Regional Poison Centre shows that ingesting 1/10 of an ounce of fluoride can kill a 100-lb. adult. Ingesting even a small amount of sodium fluoride may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Yet, despite its dangers, sodium fluoride continues to be a staple in all leading brands of toothpaste.
Triclosan
Found often in anti-bacterial products, triclosan supplements many toothpaste brands. Intriguingly, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies triclosan as a pesticide, stating it poses a risk to both human health and the environment. Scientists categorise triclosan as a chlorophenol, which is a type of chemical suspected of causing cancer in humans.
Consumers are exposed to thousands of untested chemicals that range from endocrine disruptors in soaps, toothpastes, shampoo, makeup, etc. Hence, with a growing need for convenience among a larger working population, most well informed consumers are now more conscious as they now read labels when they go out to purchase goods from the store.
Triclosan is an ingredient added to consumer products ranging from toothpaste, hand wash and body washes, and even children’s toys to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It is also added to antibacterial soaps and body washes.
For some consumers, they purchase toothpaste products and all these other items without bothering to read the list of ingredients making it up, trusting manufacturers to have the customer’s best interest at heart. So, when you are at the store next time, read those labels. For instance, toothpaste(s) contain several potentially harmful ingredients, including some that can lead to serious long-term health problems.
Sodium fluoride
Dentists have praised the virtues of fluoride for years, claiming it’s the best defence against tooth decay. Fluoride supposedly builds strong, healthy teeth. In reality, sodium fluoride, a by-product of aluminium manufacturing, can also be found in rat poisons and industrial pesticides.
Latest report by Akron Regional Poison Centre shows that ingesting 1/10 of an ounce of fluoride can kill a 100-lb. adult. Ingesting even a small amount of sodium fluoride may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Yet, despite its dangers, sodium fluoride continues to be a staple in all leading brands of toothpaste.
Triclosan
Found often in anti-bacterial products, triclosan supplements many toothpaste brands. Intriguingly, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies triclosan as a pesticide, stating it poses a risk to both human health and the environment. Scientists categorise triclosan as a chlorophenol, which is a type of chemical suspected of causing cancer in humans.
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