BSTI Urges Public Not to Panic Over Microplastics in Toothpaste

 

BSTI Urges Public Not to Panic Over Microplastics in Toothpaste

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has urged the public to remain calm following reports that microplastics were detected in several toothpaste brands sold in the country, emphasizing that no product can be declared unsafe without thorough scientific testing and legal verification.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, BSTI announced that it has begun collecting toothpaste samples from retail markets and manufacturing facilities for independent testing at accredited laboratories in Bangladesh and abroad. The agency said strict legal action will be taken if any product is found to violate national standards or contain unauthorized ingredients.

The clarification follows a recent study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO), which reported finding microplastics in 26 out of 34 toothpaste samples tested, prompting widespread public concern.

BSTI said it is treating the findings with utmost importance because of their potential implications for public health and the environment. It explained that microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring 5 millimeters or less and are generally invisible to the naked eye.

The agency noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) considers microplastics an emerging environmental and public health issue. However, it added that research into their health effects remains ongoing, and further scientific studies are needed to determine the risks they may pose.

Global Regulations Vary

BSTI highlighted that several countries have already introduced restrictions on the intentional use of plastic microbeads in consumer products.

The United States was the first country to ban intentionally added plastic microbeads in rinse-off cosmetic products, including certain toothpaste products, through the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015.

The European Union has also introduced regulations requiring manufacturers to phase out intentionally added microplastics by October 2027. Many other countries have adopted similar restrictions on plastic microbeads in toothpaste.

However, BSTI noted that existing toothpaste standards in countries such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, as well as several international standards, do not specifically set limits for microplastics or explicitly prohibit their presence in toothpaste.

The agency also pointed out that there is currently no internationally accepted testing method or safety threshold for measuring unintentionally present microplastics in toothpaste.

Bangladesh Reviewing Standards

According to BSTI, Bangladesh already has a national standard governing toothpaste production. While the standard does not specifically mention microplastics, it includes a list of 81 approved ingredients permitted for manufacturing toothpaste, and plastic microbeads are not among them.

BSTI said manufacturers undergo inspections of their quality control systems before certification is granted, leaving no room for the intentional use of unauthorized ingredients during production.

The agency cautioned that detecting plastic particles alone does not prove they were intentionally added or that a product is harmful to consumers. It said further scientific analysis is required to determine the type, origin, concentration, and possible health effects of the particles before reaching any conclusions.

As part of its investigation, BSTI has requested ESDO's complete research report, testing methodology, raw data, and other supporting information. It is also gathering details from manufacturers and importers regarding raw materials, product formulations, and the use of synthetic polymers.

In addition, BSTI announced that it has launched a comprehensive review of Bangladesh's toothpaste standards in consultation with experts, research institutions, the Department of Environment, the Directorate General of Drug Administration, dental professionals, industry representatives, and consumer organizations.

The agency said that if future scientific evidence confirms the need for stricter regulation, Bangladesh's national standards will be updated to prohibit the intentional use of plastic microbeads, require ingredient disclosure, and introduce standardized testing procedures.