Toothpaste was a real concern in (for example Latin America… esp. Panama ??) where some of that Chinese (cheaper) substance (very poisonous) got substituted for a common ingredient in its manufacture.
Not the fluoride, something else.
Most recently, some ingredient the Chinese supplied to make the blood thinner, Heparin. Or stories about dental work & dental labs that might have questionable sources even though your dentist is “reputable”. Or some tissue implants carrying dis-ease that no one was able to detect through the testing before it was put into your body.
Lots going on these days, and as it all multiplies exponentially, so does your need for caution.
As for generic fear thoughts, I am disappointed that our government (see especially the TSA) seems torn between keeping Americans educated and keeping Americans fearful. One of the ways bureaucratic types (who naturally proliferate in government) exercise “power” is to use their position to keep the populace on edge.
By the same token, I’m equally disappointed that our schools seem to want to instill obedience (through “fear” of everything under the sun) as opposed to enlightenment, intellectual rigor and development of the human mind.
Even some nature shows these days “objectify” the planet (some have called it “humanizing”, but I don’t think so) the so called “natural world” which we’re not so slowly extinguishing is presented as that which is threatening, that which is to be feared. Easier to wipe out when it’s a source of “danger”.
Anyway, the 24 hour news cycle (if you pay attention) and the overcrowding of the common spaces (incidents on So. Cal freeways) and a constant barrage of information flowing into the skull might render a sane person “fearful”.
Not healthy.
Personal phobia ? Claustrophobia. I don’t know whether it’s a function of being tucked in too tightly as a small child or whether some ancient DNA buried deep within my brain’s limbic system might be the source.
