A proposed class-action lawsuit filed by concerned parents in federal courts in Illinois and California is raising awareness of the dangers of fluoride-based toothpastes and rinses if swallowed, especially for children under the age of six.
Among those named in the six lawsuits were Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive, makers of Crest and Colgate; Tom’s of Maine; and Hello brands, as well as Perrigo’s Firefly anti-cavity rinse and Sanofi’s Kids rinse.
The filings include warnings from U.S. health regulators related to the impacts of fluoride-based toothpastes and rinses for children and indicate how the products can be problematic as they are marketed as “candy-like” with bright colours, fun flavours, and cartoon images, which is contrary to several consumer protection laws.
While fluoride has been found to prevent cavities when applied topically, the risk is associated with consumption. A recent study in JAMA Pediatrics has linked higher fluoride exposure with lower IQ scores in children.
The cases are seeking compensation and punitive damages.
