Let’s see what emerged after analyzing 408 samples

The French association Agir Pour l’Environnement analyzed a total of 408 toothpastes (for children and adults) that are sold in various supermarkets including Auchan, Leclerc, Lid and Carrefour.

From the results of the analyzes carried out on them it was deduced that in 2 out of 3 titanium dioxide is present.

The analysis on the toothpastes of Agir Pour l’Environnement

The French association Agir Pour l’Environnement analyzed 408 toothpastes of which 59 for children and 78 organic. The analysis showed that in 2 toothpastes out of 3 titanium dioxide is present.

In detail, this substance was found in 271 toothpastes, 29 of which for children (and therefore 49.1%) and in 25 organic and therefore 32%.

For the uninitiated, titanium dioxide is a chemical compound that looks like a crystalline powder with a color that tends to white. It is identified with the abbreviation E171 when it is used in food but is also present as an ingredient in cosmetics.

As a food additive it is used in the production of products based on fish and cheese, sauces, sweets and in other types of food as a dye whereas (for example) in diaper-changing creams and in toothpastes it is used because it gives the product a white color and also for its absorbent properties.

The important brands of the analysis carried out by Agir Pour l’Environnement

Among the leading brands of toothpastes analyzed by the French association “Agir Pour l’Environnement” are Oral-B, Colgate, Aquafresh and Signal.

In the latter, for example, even the children’s version has traces of titanium dioxide.

The analysis by Agir Pour l’Environnement also shows that none of the 271 incriminated toothpastes specifies on the packaging whether titanium dioxide is found in toothpaste in the form of nanoparticles.

The European regulation number 1223/2009 in force since 2013 informs that if there is an ingredient in cosmetic products in the form of nanomaterial there is an obligation that it be indicated.

To be precise, the name of the present ingredient must be followed by the word “nano” which must be placed in brackets.

But what are the effects of titanium dioxide on health?

As already disclosed in cosmetic products, titanium dioxide is used to give that white color to the product. Regarding health effects, opinions are controversial. For experts, however, it can carry risks, for example, to the liver and reproductive organs and should also be considered a possible carcinogen.

Furthermore it is dangerous due to nanoparticles (less than a hundred nanometers in size) that facilitate penetration into the human body. At the moment a measure is expected in France that prohibits titanium dioxide in all products that can even be partially ingested (such as toothpaste and medicines) as is the case with food.

Automatic translation. We apologize for any inaccuracies. Original article in Italian.