Danish Consumer Council identifies toothpastes with problematic substances

Harmless or hazardous? The Danish Consumer Council has evaluated 32 toothpastes regarding potentially harmful additives as part of its THINK Chemicals initiative that helps customers to avoid dangerous substances in food and other consumer products. (Photograph: defotoberg/shutterstock)

Dental Tribune International

一. 23 五月 2016

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark: From its evaluation of the ingredients of 32 toothpastes, the Danish Consumer Council has given a red rating to five toothpastes that contain triclosan and other suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC), as well as certain parabens. Although there are no immediate health risks associated with using these toothpastes, at certain doses, substances such as triclosan can interfere with the hormone system and thereby result in a range of health issues.

“There are plenty of good toothpastes on the market for the consumers. However, there are still substances that we recommend consumers to avoid in order to reduce their exposure. For example, Colgate Total contains the endocrine disrupting substance triclosan. Even though there is no immediate health risk in using the product, triclosan is one of the unnecessary endocrine disrupting substances that we recommend consumers to reduce or avoid altogether,” said Stine Müller, project manager at the THINK Chemicals initiative of the Danish Consumer Council, which aims to help consumers avoid problematic chemicals and live a toxin-free life.

Of the 32 toothpastes evaluated, 14 received a green rating for not containing allergenic substances, suspected EDCs, environmental contaminants or other allergenic plant-based extracts. Another 13 toothpastes were rated yellow because they contain perfume and environmental contaminants, such as limonene or zinc oxide, and five received a red mark, the lowest rating given.

The five red-rated toothpastes that contained potentially dangerous substances were Colgate Total (Colgate-Palmolive), Denivit Anti-Stain Expert Anti-Stain Intense (Henkel), FluoCalcin Classic (Orkla Health), Sensodyne Rapid (GlaxoSmithKline) and Vademecum Anti-Cavity (Henkel). Although all products complied with the concentration limits for these substances set by EU law, chemical additives such as triclosan, limonene and sodium propyl paraben are considered problematic for health and detrimental to the environment.

Commenting on the test, Rita Skånstrøm, head of communications at Colgate-Palmolive, stated: “The Danish Health Authority recognises that Colgate Total is efficient in its prevention of gum problems. It is important to note that independent scientific committees in the EU have evaluated triclosan several times and concluded that it is a safe and efficient ingredient in toothpaste.”

According to the World Health Organization, human exposure to EDCs and potential EDCs is suspected to be associated with a range of health problems, including altered reproductive function in males and females, increased incidence of breast cancer, abnormal growth patterns and neurodevelopmental delays in children, as well as changes in immune function. Moreover, the mandatory EU classification and labelling for triclosan includes the statement that it is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Hence, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency advises consumers to avoid the substance in products such as toothpaste and deodorants.

The results of the test can be accessed at kemi.taenk.dk/bliv-groennere/test-kemi-i-tandpasta