Popular toothpaste brands contain lead, mercury, and arsenic, new US study reveals

A startling new report has revealed that several popular toothpaste brands, including Sensodyne, Crest, and Colgate, contain dangerous levels of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. The findings come from third-party laboratory testing commissioned by Lead Safe Mama, a US-based company that leads the fight against childhood lead poisoning and consumer product safety, led by environmental activist Tamara Rubin, as per reports.

Out of 51 toothpaste and tooth powder brands tested, a staggering 90% contained detectable levels of lead, while 65% were found to contain arsenic—a substance known for its high toxicity. Even more concerning, nearly half (47%) of children’s toothpastes contained mercury, and 35% tested positive for cadmium, another heavy metal linked to long-term health risks.

Among the brands tested were household names such as Sensodyne, Crest, Colgate, Tom’s of Maine, Dr Bronner’s, Davids, Dr Jen, and Dr Brite. These products were tested as part of a community-directed initiative supported by independent third-party labs, according to Lead Safe Mama’s statement.

“It’s unconscionable – especially in 2025,” Rubin told media. “What’s really interesting to me is that no one thought this was a concern.” She criticised the regulatory gap that allows these products to remain on shelves despite violating the state of Washington’s safety limits for heavy metals—though notably, they do not breach existing federal guidelines.

The Mayo Clinic states on its website that “no level of lead exposure is considered safe”, particularly for children under six. Lead poisoning in young children can severely impact cognitive development and cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. At very high levels, it can be fatal.

Health experts have expressed alarm at the findings, warning of long-term consequences if such products continue to be used without stricter oversight. “Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems,” the Mayo Clinic notes, adding that children are at the greatest risk due to their developing bodies and tendency to absorb toxins more easily.

Despite growing awareness of the dangers posed by environmental toxins, the presence of such substances in everyday personal care items like toothpaste underscores the ongoing gaps in product safety regulation. As per Lead Safe Mama, their initiative aims to spark a broader conversation around transparency in consumer goods and the urgent need for updated federal safety standards.