Desk Report:
The Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), an environmental research organization, has released alarming information about the toothpaste market in Bangladesh. The organization’s year-long study has identified the presence of microplastics harmful to human health in 26 of the 34 toothpaste brands widely used in the country. The study found a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 320 plastic particles in every 100 grams of toothpaste. Of particular concern is that such harmful elements have also been detected in some popular toothpastes made for children.
The results of the study were released at a press conference organized at the ESDO office in Lalmatia, the capital, on Sunday (July 26, 2026). In addition to conducting a survey on 2,760 consumers across the country, the study also conducted scientific tests at the Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology Laboratory of the Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University. The test used stereomicroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technology.
According to the study, microplastics were found in 22 out of 25 toothpastes manufactured in Bangladesh under test. In addition, microplastics were found in 1 out of 5 brands manufactured in India, 1 out of 2 brands manufactured in Thailand and both brands manufactured in Vietnam. The issue has become more worrying as harmful plastic particles were detected in 4 out of 6 special toothpastes made for children.
The test results showed that the highest number of 320 microplastics were found in Mediplus Fluoride Gel per 100 grams of toothpaste. In addition, 160 microplastic particles were found in Close Up Red Hot and Close Up Menthol Fresh, 140 in Kudumu Ultra Shield Formula (Strawberry), 120 in Signal Green Tea, 100 in Pepsodent Advance Salt and Himalaya Complete Care, and 80 in Sensodyne Fresh Mint.
Among children’s toothpastes, 140 microplastics were detected in Kudumu Ultra Shield Formula, 60 in Merrill Baby Strawberry, 40 in Merrill Baby Orange, and 20 in Pepsodent Kid Orange. However, no microplastics were found in some brands in the study. These include domestic brands Zenfresh, Parachute Just for Baby (Mango), Close Up Red Hot Zinc Fresh Technology, and imported Kudumu Orange.
