Analysis of copper, zinc, arsenic, and lead content of over-the-counter toothpastes from india: an invitro study

Abstract

The regular use of toothpastes containing metals has been shown to be a formidable threat because of their ability to bioaccumulate and reach toxic proportions, affecting people’s health and the environment. While studies have evaluated the presence of metals in toothpaste across different countries, a paucity of studies in India fostered a need to identify the presence of the metals arsenic, lead, copper and zinc in over-the-counter toothpastes. The 20 most sold toothpastes were selected from Indian e-commerce platforms and prepared following quality control measures. The samples were then subjected to flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to determine the presence and concentrations of these metals. The individual toothpaste samples presented the highest concentrations of 0.5371 mg/L arsenic, 0.0620 mg/L copper, 0.0544 mg/L lead and 7.4224 mg/L zinc. Although the concentrations of lead, copper and zinc were found to be below the permissible limits in all the toothpaste samples, the arsenic concentration of one sample exceeded the European Union (EU) standard. Arsenic, which has the potential to cause neural and gastrointestinal disorders, needs to be strictly monitored in toothpaste samples. Considering these findings, there is a need for consistent global guidelines on permissible amounts of metals in toothpastes, with a determined intention toward their implementation.