Fluoride content info missing on toothpastes: CERC

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has placed an upper limit of 1,000-ppm fluoride. The the Consumer Education and Research Centre (CERC),which has found higher concentration of fluoride in toothpastes,has suggested bringing down the specified limit to 500 ppm.

CERC Trustee C J Sishoo said,“Low fluoride concentrations 0.3-0.4 parts per million (ppm) in toothpastes is important for dental enamel in children. At higher concentrations (more than 1.5 ppm),fluoride can pose a serious health hazard.”

India is one of the 23 countries with excessive fluoride presence in drinking water and food. In Gujarat,population in 18 districts is threatened by high fluoride content,said CERC officials.

Shishoo added that skeletal fluorosis has crippled a large population in Assam,Jharkhand,Bihar and Orissa.

Based on the survey, (CERC),Ahmedabad has recently written to the authorities to give choice for fluoridated and non-fluoridated toothpastes for customers.