A first-of-its-kind scientific study in Bangladesh has found microplastic particles in more than three-quarters of toothpaste products sold in the country, prompting calls for urgent regulatory standards, mandatory product disclosure, and routine market surveillance.
The study, conducted by Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO), detected microplastics in 26 out of 34 (76.5 per cent) toothpaste samples, with concentrations ranging from 20 to 320 particles per 100 grams.
The findings were unveiled at a press briefing organised by ESDO at its office in the capital on Sunday.
The study provides the country's first scientific baseline on microplastics in toothpaste and is intended to support the formulation of national standards and regulatory measures.
The year-long study, conducted between July 2025 and June 2026, combined a nationwide consumer survey, laboratory analysis, and interviews with regulators and scientific experts.
Researchers surveyed 2,760 consumers to assess toothpaste use and awareness of microplastics.
Laboratory tests on 34 commercially available toothpaste products representing 19 brands were carried out at the Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology under the Department of Environmental Sciences at Jahangirnagar University using stereomicroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
Among the products tested, 25 were manufactured in Bangladesh, five in India, two in Thailand, and two in Vietnam.
Microplastics were detected in 22 of the 25 locally manufactured products, one Indian product, one Thai product, and both Vietnamese products.
The highest concentration recorded was 320 microplastic particles per 100 grams of toothpaste.
The study also raised concerns over children's oral care products.
Of the six toothpaste brands marketed for children, four contained detectable microplastics, ranging from 20 to 140 particles per 100 grams, while two samples were found free of the particles.
According to the report, none of the tested products disclosed the presence of microplastics or synthetic polymer ingredients on their labels, leaving consumers unaware of their potential exposure.
The survey further found limited public awareness of the issue.
While toothpaste use was almost universal among respondents, 41.9 per cent said they had never heard of microplastics in oral care products and only 26.9 per cent reported being aware of the issue.
ESDO stressed that the findings should not be interpreted as evidence of regulatory non-compliance by manufacturers as Bangladesh currently has no national standards, permissible limits, testing protocols, or labelling requirements for microplastics in toothpaste.
The organisation warned that growing scientific evidence suggests microplastics may pose risks to human health, including respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, neurological, and immune and reproductive complications, although research on long-term health impacts is still evolving.
ESDO Chairperson Syed Marghub Murshed, a former secretary to the government, said the study provided the scientific evidence needed to guide future standards, strengthen regulation, and better protect consumers and the environment.
Dr Shahriar Hossain, secretary general and senior technical adviser of ESDO, said the widespread use of toothpaste and low public awareness made it imperative to strengthen scientific research, improve product labelling, and enhance regulatory oversight.
BSTI Deputy Director (Chemical Wing) Md Manjurul Karim said the country's existing toothpaste manufacturing requirements specified around 40 permitted ingredients but did not include microplastics.
He said the standards body acknowledged the findings and would take the necessary steps to amend the relevant statutory regulatory order (SRO) by incorporating standards relating to microplastics.
The Department of Environment also expressed its willingness to work with relevant agencies to address the issue.
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