Advanced lab analysis reveals alarming health risks in popular dental products
Microplastics Detected in Most Toothpastes via Spectroscopy
- ESDO study finds microplastics in 26 out of 34 toothpaste brands
- Advanced FTIR spectroscopy technology was utilized for precise lab testing
- Hazardous plastic particles were also detected in four children's toothpastes
Harmful microplastics have been detected in 26 out of 34 toothpaste brands sold in the domestic market. The Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) revealed these alarming findings following a year-long technology-driven scientific study.
Samples were rigorously analyzed at the Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology Laboratory of Jahangirnagar University's Environmental Sciences Department, utilizing stereomicroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. The research findings, alongside a survey conducted on 2,760 consumers, were officially published on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at ESDO's headquarters in the capital.
The report highlights that among 25 local toothpastes tested, 22 contained microplastics, alongside imported samples from Thailand and Vietnam. Alarmingly, four out of six toothpastes manufactured for children also tested positive. Particle counts ranged from 20 to 320 per 100 grams, with 'MediPlus Fluoride Gel' recording the highest density at 320 particles.
Other tested products included Close Up Red Hot (160), Close Up Menthol Fresh (160), Kodomo Ultra Shield Strawberry (140), Signal Green Tea (120), Pepsodent Advance Salt (100), Himalaya Complete Care (100), and Sensodyne Fresh Mint (80). Among children's brands, Meril Baby Strawberry (60), Meril Baby Orange (40), and Pepsodent Kid Orange (20) showed contamination.
However, precise spectroscopic testing confirmed zero detectable microplastics in Genfresh, Parachute Just for Baby (Mango), Close Up Red Hot Zinc Fresh Technology, and imported Kodomo Orange toothpaste.
//DBTech/DPO/EDP//
