KEY POINTS:
It has taken too long for the Ministry of Health to test 16 brands of toothpaste found to contain a toxic substance used in antifreeze, Green MP Sue Kedgley says.
The ministry released test results yesterday, 11 weeks after its warning not to use Chinese-made toothpastes out of fears they contained the ingredient diethylene glycol.
Used in antifreeze and some solvents, diethylene glycol can be especially harmful to children and those with liver or kidney disease.
Symptoms of minor exposure can range from nausea, vomiting and headaches. More severe exposure can lead to seizure and comas.
Out ot 52 toothpastes tested by Environmental Science and Research, 16 were found to have unacceptable levels of diethylene glycol.
The levels found ranged from 2.45 per cent to 11.83 per cent although the ministry says any amount of the chemical is considered unsafe.
Ms Kedgley said the ministry had not done enough to ensure New Zealanders were not put at risk.
"Many other countries seized shipments and recalled stock. Some, such as the United States, quickly began testing all toothpaste from China.
"Meanwhile, our authorities issued a rather lacklustre request for importers to check their stock, despite the fact the diethylene glycol may not be listed as an ingredient."
The toothpastes, which were sold through speciality stores and discount retailers, should no longer be on the market.
The ministry has said there is no way of knowing how many people may have used the toothpastes.
