Reposting this post, originally posted on Facebook.
Back to the toothpaste conversation.
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Food (and water) is considered toxic for lead in the “Parts Per Billion” (ppb) ranges. Specifically water and food are considered toxic (by many in the scientific community) at levels starting at FIVE parts per billion and higher (some use the less protective federal level for water toxicity of 15 parts per billion lead or the even less strict outdated threshold of 20 parts per billion lead to determine le
ad toxicity in items intended to be interested daily by humans.)
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Regardless of the nuances of how many (single or double-digit) parts per billion lead is toxic in items ingested daily by humans… the Earthpaste bentonite Redmond Clay has tested positive (using an XRF) in the range of 11 to 15 parts per MILLION (ppm) not parts per BILLION (ppb).
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This amount of lead in an item intended for human consumption is not considered “trace” it is considered highly toxic. (This level would only be considered “trace” lead, for example, if this was the level of lead found in a consumer good – like pottery.)
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Earthpaste (the company) has a white paper confirming they have found lead levels in this range (here is their analysis confirming 11.9 ppm lead in the clay that is the base for their toothpaste.) I also personally found/ reconfirmed lead in this same range using an XRF on their clay base.
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Most food-items are so low in lead that they will not test positive for lead with an XRF.
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Said another way, I personally have never tested another food item, spice, or other type of food ingredient (or item intended for oral use / human consumption – including chocolate) that was high enough in lead to test positive using an XRF.
To read more about XRF Testing click here.
The bentonite clay is the only ingredient like this (intended for ingestion/oral use/ human consumption) that I have tested with an XRF that was positive at detectible levels for lead (using an XRF.) This is very concerning.
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Here is a little graphic from an online number translator translating PPM (parts per million) to PPB (parts per billion.) Even taking the low end of what I found (11 ppm) Earthpaste is positive for 11,000 parts per BILLION lead, when the toxicity level in food has been determined to be in the 5 to 15 parts per billion range.
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Seriously reconsider using toothpaste that:
1) has tested positive for lead,
2) already has a warning for lead and
3) is admitted by the company to have lead.
The allegation that it (the lead found in toothpaste made with bentonite clay) is not bioavailable is also untrue. All lead in all of its forms is bioavailable to some degree. Said another way, each type of lead has some percentage that is bioavailable. There is no form of lead that is 100% not bioavailable. Do you want to be the guinea pig to find out how bioavailable the lead you are ingesting is? I think not.
Here’s my #SaferChoices toothpaste post too.
& My GoFundMe if you are inclined to support my advocacy work in that way!
As always, thank you for reading!
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I just read an ingredient list for a tooth powder that sounded promising but it contains clay and another ingredient that contain lead. 🙁
https://www.orawellness.com/support/what-are-the-ingredients-in-shine/
What about the primal life organics dirty mouth toothpowder? On their FB page someone asked if it contains lead. Their response was that the clay contains trace amounts of lead but it is in ion form so it cannot be absorbed by the body. If this is true then I don’t see a problem. If it is untrue then I see a huge problem especially when people are asking if it is okay to swallow and they are saying yes.
They are citing bogus or non-existent studies if they are saying it is in a non-absorbable form. I have done extensive research looking for this mythical study and have not found it. Ask them for the study that says there is a form of lead that cannot be absorbed by the body. If they say “Cooper 2009” – tell them you have heard there is no such study “Cooper 2009” – ask them for a copy of the study or a link to the study. It does not appear to exist. In my opinion they are all talking out their ass to sell product. It is the worst greenwashing ever and they all should be shut down for the lies they keep telling customers (“they” being the clay-based toothpaste companies)
I came across this article searching for celtic salt, I have purchased various items from Redmond in the past, salt, toothpaste, even used their powder clay internally for detox, not that they suggested it, but I’ve heard clay is good for detox taken internally. Now I read this article and you got me wondering about lead intoxication. How do I know if I have lead in my system. And how to detox from lead?
Thank you for the information! I bought Earthpaste last year off Amazon and was shocked to see it contained lead (was not warned on the site). Looked for another natural non toxic product but so many natural blogs endorse it!
It really scares and angers me that people are giving this to their children especially, and so many bloggers are endorsing it. Yes lead is in food but EPA confirms as you do that there is no safe level so we shouldn’t deliberately increase our or our child’s risk of lead poisoning. I hope these get taken off the market some day and honestly I think people who knowingly give lead products to their kids should be charged with abuse. If someone wants to hurt themselves fine but don’t hurt the kids.
I have been brushing with baking soda and table salt (don’t use sea salt due to heavy metals) but still looking for something easier to travel with. Will check out your “safe choices” list, thanks!
Thank you for your comment E!
We actually go “toothpaste free” most of the time, although I still have a nostalgia for the yucky mint toothpaste I used as a kid (for myself not for my kids). I just use it in tiny tiny amounts – a 0.5 oz travel tube lasts me a year or more!
T
Can I ask what your daily oral care routine is then? I bought Uncle Harrys toothpaste and it also contain bentonite clay, so am now looking for other options. Thanks!
Check out Frau Fowler toothpowder as a non bentonite clay option. The black licorice is awesome.
I’ve used Frau Fowler since posting my comment above. It was fine but I found the container a bit difficult to open and did not see any results from the Mouth Medic or whitening versions. Be careful because they do have ones that contain clay now.
I’ve currently been using “Eco Dent” tooth powder, bought on Amazon. No clay or Himalayan salt. Contains “thymol crystals” which I believe is a registered disinfectant that comes from grapefruit? That seems kind of odd for oral use; I’ll probably research that more but overall I feel comfortable with it.
What’s your view on toothpaste with collidal silver? Is it safe?
I am crying. I’ve used this toothpaste with my son since he was 10 months old, which has now been a whole 7 months!! I thought I was using a paste without all of those bad ingredients that others have. And he swallows it when I brush his teeth because he likes the taste. I am beside myself with worry that I’ve been poisoning him. He has his 15 month appointment this week and I will ask for him to be tested for lead. I am really hoping his doctor agrees to this request and am not sure how to go about getting him tested if she doesn’t. I just need to know if he’s okay. Thank you for testing this product, I wish with all my heart that I had seen this sooner..