Writ filed with HC seeking inquiry into microplastics in 26 toothpaste brands

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking an inquiry into the presence of 'harmful' microplastics in 26 out of 34 toothpaste brands available in the country's market.

Supreme Court lawyer Md Abdullah Al Mamun filed the writ on Monday (July 27), naming the Health Secretary, Environment Secretary, Commerce Secretary, BSTI, and the Consumer Rights Protection Directorate as respondents.

According to media reports, a study conducted in Bangladesh found microplastics in 26 of the 34 toothpaste samples tested. The number of these tiny plastic particles ranged from 20 to 320 per 100 grams of toothpaste. Among six toothpaste products marketed for children, four also contained microplastics.

The findings were revealed in a new study by the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO). The researchers said the presence of microplastics in toothpaste raises serious concerns about potential risks to human health and the environment, stressing that toothpaste should not contain microplastics .

The study, titled 'Microplastics in Toothpaste: Scientific Evidence for Policy and Regulatory Action in Bangladesh', was published on Sunday (July 26) at ESDO's office in Lalmatia, Dhaka .

The research, conducted between July 2025 and June 2026, tested 34 toothpaste samples from 19 major brands manufactured in Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Vietnam . Of the 25 samples manufactured in Bangladesh, 22 contained microplastics. Additionally, microplastics were detected in one of five Indian samples, one of two Thai samples, and both Vietnamese samples .

Among the six children's toothpaste samples tested, four contained microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 20 to 140 particles per 100 grams . The study found that none of the toothpaste packaging disclosed the presence of microplastics or synthetic polymers used, leaving consumers unaware of their exposure .

The study found microplastics in 76.5 per cent of the toothpaste samples . Eight samples showed no detectable microplastics.