Microplastics found in toothpaste: BSTI starts investigation

A recent study by a private research organisation found microplastics in 26 out of 34 toothpaste samples, causing public concern. As the issue relates to public health and the environment, the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) is treating the matter with utmost importance.

The BSTI confirmed this in a press release on Tuesday (July 28).

The BSTI said it has taken the initiative to collect samples from the market and factories on its own accord for re-testing at recognised domestic or foreign laboratories. If the tests prove that any product has failed to meet Bangladeshi standards or contains unauthorised ingredients, necessary legal action will be taken against the concerned company under the relevant laws.

The press release said microplastics are tiny plastic particles of 5 millimetres or less in size, generally invisible to the naked eye. According to the World Health Organization, microplastics are an emerging environmental and health concern. Research on the health risks of microplastics is still ongoing, and the WHO has stated that further studies are needed.

The United States was the first to ban the intentional use of microplastics in cosmetics, including toothpaste, in 2015. Under European law, manufacturers have been given until October 17, 2027, to stop using microplastics in cosmetics, including toothpaste. Currently, many countries have banned the intentional addition of plastic microbeads to toothpaste. However, the standards of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and international standards bodies such as ISO and ASTM do not specify any limits or prohibitions on microplastics in toothpaste. No specific acceptable limit or standardised test method has yet been established for unintentionally present microplastics in toothpaste at the international level.

Bangladesh has a standard for toothpaste, 'BDS 1216:2012 Specification for Toothpaste'. Through the issuance of SRO No. 50-Act/2019 and SRO No. 51-Act/2019, the government has made it mandatory for manufacturers to obtain a licence from BSTI after testing chemical, microbiological and safety parameters according to the standard.

While the Bangladesh standard does not contain any direct provisions regarding the use of microplastics, it lists 81 permissible ingredients for toothpaste production, none of which include microplastics. During certification by BSTI, the quality control systems of toothpaste manufacturers are verified, meaning there is no scope for intentionally using microplastics in toothpaste production.

The BSTI emphasised that just because plastic particles are found in a test does not scientifically mean the manufacturer intentionally added them or that they are harmful to human health. A more detailed examination of the particle type, source, quantity and health risk assessment is required.

The BSTI has already requested the research organisation to provide full details of the study, testing methods, test data and other necessary information. At the same time, information on raw materials, product ingredients and the use of synthetic polymers is being collected from manufacturers and importers. The BSTI believes it would not be appropriate to declare any brand or toothpaste unsafe or substandard without a full scientific and legal review.

The organisation added that steps have already been taken to review the Bangladesh standard for toothpaste, involving experts, research institutions, the Department of Environment, the Directorate General of Drug Administration, dentists, industry representatives and consumer representatives. If necessary scientific evidence is found, the Bangladesh standard will be updated to regulate the intentional use of plastic microbeads in toothpaste, mandatory disclosure of ingredients and inclusion of test methods.