Dhaka: The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has announced it will take action only after scientifically verifying the findings of a recent study that detected microplastics in most types of toothpaste available in the market. In a statement on Tuesday, it highlighted the significance of addressing public health and environmental concerns associated with the presence of microplastics in everyday products.
According to United News of Bangladesh, a study conducted by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), a private research organisation, revealed the presence of microplastics in 26 out of 34 toothpaste types tested. BSTI has expressed its commitment to treating the matter with utmost importance due to its potential impact on public health and environmental safety.
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles measuring 5 millimetres or less, are typically invisible to the naked eye. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies them as an emerging environmental and public health concern, noting that more research is needed to fully understand their health implications.
BSTI pointed out that the United States pioneered the ban on the intentional use of plastic microbeads in toothpaste through the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015. The European Union has similarly set a deadline for manufacturers to eliminate intentionally added microplastics in toothpaste by 17 October 2027. In contrast, countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, along with international organisations such as ISO and ASTM, have not established limits or bans on unintentional microplastics in toothpaste.
Bangladesh follows its own standard, BDS 1216:2012 Specification for Toothpaste, requiring manufacturers to obtain a BSTI licence post rigorous testing. Although the standard doesn’t specifically ban microplastics, the list of 81 approved ingredients for toothpaste does not include them. BSTI also ensures that manufacturers’ quality control systems are thoroughly checked before issuing licences, minimizing the risk of intentional microplastics use.
The national standards body emphasized the need for detailed testing to determine the type, source, and quantity of microplastic particles, as well as to assess potential health risks. BSTI has requested comprehensive research data from the ESDO and is independently testing toothpaste samples collected from the market and factories at accredited laboratories.
Should any product fail to meet Bangladesh standards or contain unapproved ingredients, BSTI has assured that legal action will be taken against the responsible parties. However, it stressed that it is premature to declare any toothpaste brand unsafe or of poor quality without proper scientific and legal verification.
BSTI is also reviewing the national toothpaste standard in collaboration with experts, research institutions, and relevant stakeholders. The revised standard will address restrictions on the intentional use of microplastics, mandate ingredient disclosure, and establish appropriate testing methods once sufficient scientific evidence is available.
In the meantime, BSTI urged the public to avoid succumbing to rumours or panic, advising them to maintain good oral hygiene and rely on verified information. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health, ensuring scientific integrity, and protecting consumer interests.