A Hidden Ingredient Raising Alarm in Bangladesh Toothpaste
Md Jahidul Islam
Dhaka: A recent study has found microplastic particles in more than three-quarters of toothpaste products available in the Bangladeshi market, raising concerns over consumer safety, environmental pollution, and the need for stronger regulatory oversight.
The study, conducted by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), detected microplastics in 26 out of 34 toothpaste samples tested, a rate of 76.5 percent. Researchers found that locally manufactured products had a higher detection rate compared with imported brands.
The year-long research, conducted from July 2025 to June 2026, examined toothpaste samples from 19 brands collected across Bangladesh. The products included 25 samples manufactured in Bangladesh, five from India, two from Thailand, and two from Vietnam.
Microplastics were found in products from all four countries. Among the Bangladeshi samples, 22 out of 25 contained microplastic particles. The concentration levels ranged from 20 to 320 particles per 100 grams of toothpaste, with the highest level recorded at 320 particles per 100 grams.
The findings were presented at a press conference held at ESDO’s headquarters in Dhaka on July 26 during the launch of a report titled “Bangladesh’s First Study on Microplastics in Toothpaste.”
Children’s Toothpaste Also Affected
The study also examined toothpaste products marketed for children and found that four out of six samples (66.7 percent) contained microplastics.
The detected levels in children’s toothpaste ranged between 20 and 140 particles per 100 grams, while two samples showed no presence of microplastic particles.
Researchers highlighted that none of the tested toothpaste products mentioned microplastics or synthetic polymers on their packaging, creating a major information gap for consumers.
Lack of Regulations and Monitoring
ESDO clarified that the study was not an assessment of regulatory compliance, as Bangladesh currently has no national standards, permissible limits, testing procedures, or mandatory disclosure requirements specifically addressing microplastics in toothpaste.
Laboratory testing was carried out at the Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology (EHE), Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, using stereomicroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
The researchers noted that while studies in countries including the United States, Europe, and South Korea have confirmed the presence of microplastics in toothpaste, Bangladesh previously lacked scientific assessments, regulatory frameworks, and monitoring systems focused on this issue.
Low Consumer Awareness
The study also surveyed 2,760 consumers to understand toothpaste usage patterns and awareness regarding microplastics in oral care products.
Although toothpaste use was almost universal among respondents, 41.9 percent said they had never heard of microplastics in oral care products. Only 26.9 percent reported awareness of the issue, highlighting the need for public education and awareness campaigns.
Potential Health Concerns
Experts warned that growing scientific evidence suggests microplastics may have harmful effects on human health, although research into long-term impacts is still developing.
Possible concerns include respiratory problems such as lung inflammation, reduced lung function, and worsening asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers also pointed to possible effects on digestive health, including gut inflammation and disruption of beneficial gut bacteria.
Other potential risks linked to microplastic exposure include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, weakened immunity, blood vessel damage, abnormal clotting, increased cardiovascular risks, neuroinflammation, hormonal disruption, reduced fertility, and possible effects on fetal development.
Calls for Stronger Standards
The study identified several institutional challenges, including the absence of dedicated regulations, limited monitoring capacity, and the need for standardized laboratory testing methods.
Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General of ESDO, said toothpaste is a product used daily by millions of people, yet awareness about microplastics in oral care products remains extremely low.
“This highlights the urgent need for continued scientific research, greater consumer awareness, transparent product labeling, and stronger regulatory oversight,” he said.
ESDO Chairperson Syed Marghub Murshed said effective policymaking depends on scientific evidence.
“As Bangladesh’s first baseline study on microplastics in toothpaste, this research provides the evidence needed to guide future standards, strengthen regulation, and better protect consumers and the environment,” he said.
ESDO Executive Director Siddika Sultana described the research as an important step toward addressing a critical scientific gap in Bangladesh.
“This study provides the baseline evidence needed to guide future standards, monitoring, and evidence-based policies on microplastics in oral care products,” she said.
Md. Manjurul Karim, Deputy Director of the Chemical Wing at the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), said current toothpaste manufacturing requirements list 40 approved ingredients but do not include microplastics.
“We acknowledge the findings and will take necessary steps to amend the SRO and introduce microplastic standards,” he said.
Mahmuda Tamanna Khan, Inspector at the Department of Environment, emphasized the need for coordinated action among relevant institutions.
“We need to work together and improve coordination among organizations in Bangladesh to address this emerging issue,” she said.
The study has brought renewed attention to the growing challenge of microplastic pollution and highlighted the urgent need for research, regulation, and consumer awareness to protect public health and the environment.
