ESDO says findings from laboratory tests and a nationwide survey underline the need for tighter product monitoring, clearer labelling and stronger manufacturer accountability.
Microplastics were detected in 26 out of 34 toothpaste brands sold in Bangladesh, according to a year-long study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), raising concerns over the growing presence of plastic particles in everyday consumer products.
The findings were revealed on Sunday (July 26) at a press briefing in Dhaka by ESDO, a Bangladesh-based environmental research and advocacy organisation. The study found between 20 and 320 microplastic particles per 100 grams of toothpaste among the tested products. The highest concentration was detected in Mediplus Fluoride Gel, which contained 320 particles per 100 grams.
The research combined a nationwide consumer survey of 2,760 people with scientific laboratory analysis conducted at the Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology Laboratory of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Jahangirnagar University. Researchers used stereomicroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technologies to identify and analyse plastic particles.
According to the study report, microplastics were found in 22 of the 25 locally manufactured toothpaste brands tested. Among imported products, one of five brands from India, one of two brands from Thailand, and both brands from Vietnam contained detectable microplastics.
Researchers expressed particular concern about children’s toothpaste products. Of the six children’s toothpaste brands tested, four contained microplastics, highlighting the need for greater monitoring of products used by young consumers.
The study identified the highest levels of microplastics in several brands, including Mediplus Fluoride Gel with 320 particles per 100 grams, Closeup Red Hot with 160 particles, Closeup Menthol Fresh with 160 particles, Kodomo Ultra Shield Formula Strawberry with 140 particles, Signal Green Tea with 120 particles, Pepsodent Advanced Salt with 100 particles, Himalaya Complete Care with 100 particles, and Sensodyne Fresh Mint with 80 particles.
Among children’s toothpaste products, Kodomo Ultra Shield Formula Strawberry contained 140 particles per 100 grams, while Meril Baby Strawberry contained 60 particles, Meril Baby Orange 40 particles, and Pepsodent Kid Orange 20 particles.
However, the study also identified several products where no detectable microplastics were found. Among locally produced toothpastes, Zenfresh, Parachute Just for Baby Mango, and Closeup Red Hot Zinc Fresh Technology tested negative. The imported children’s toothpaste Kodomo Orange also showed no detectable microplastic particles.
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments generally smaller than five millimetres that can persist in the environment and enter human exposure pathways through food, water, and consumer products. Scientists around the world are investigating their possible links to inflammation, chemical exposure, and other long-term health impacts, although research into the full effects on human health is still ongoing.
The findings come amid growing global concern over microplastic pollution, with researchers examining how these particles move through ecosystems and accumulate in everyday products. Several countries have already introduced restrictions on certain types of microplastics, including plastic microbeads used in personal care products.
“The presence of microplastics in products used daily, especially those used by children, requires urgent attention from regulators, manufacturers, and consumers,” said ESDO representatives at the briefing.
ESDO called for stronger monitoring of personal care products, transparent ingredient labelling, and greater accountability from manufacturers to reduce unnecessary plastic use and protect public health and the environment.
The study did not determine whether microplastics were intentionally added during production or entered through other stages of manufacturing. ESDO urged further investigation and stronger regulatory oversight to ensure safer consumer products in Bangladesh.
