Toxic chemicals detected in plastic products across Bangladesh: Study

A recent study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) has found the presence of hazardous chemicals; phthalates and bisphenols, in widely used plastic and consumer products in Bangladesh, raising public health concerns, particularly for women and children.

The findings were presented today (29 April) at a report-launch event in Dhaka, organised by ESDO in collaboration with the International Pollutant Elimination Network (IPEN). The study is titled "Phthalates and Bisphenols: Country Situation in Bangladesh."

According to the study, conducted jointly with South Korea's Wonjin Institute, 47 eraser samples collected from Bangladeshi markets were tested, of which 30 were found contaminated with phthalates. The detected substances include DIBP, DBP, DEHP and DINP; chemicals known as endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormonal systems.

The research also analysed 39 thermal paper receipts collected from shops, ATMs and pharmacies in Dhaka. It found bisphenol A (BPA) in 67.5% of samples, while bisphenol S (BPS) was detected in 25% of samples. Both were reportedly present at levels exceeding European Union safety standards.

A separate national survey cited in the report found that 83% of fish samples collected from markets across Bangladesh contained microplastics contaminated with phthalates and bisphenols.

Researchers warned that children face heightened risks, as frequent exposure may occur through chewing or sucking on erasers, potentially leading to allergies, asthma and developmental complications. Phthalate exposure has also been linked in the study to hormonal imbalance and reproductive health issues.

The report further noted that women working in retail environments may face repeated exposure to BPA and BPS through handling thermal receipts, which could increase long-term health risks, including breast cancer.

It also identified contaminated fish consumption as a potential exposure pathway, with possible links to reproductive disorders, metabolic complications and increased cancer risks.

Speaking at the event, ESDO Chairperson and former government secretary described the findings as a "wake-up call" for policymakers, urging the development of a modern regulatory framework to ensure public health protection alongside responsible industrial growth.

ESDO Secretary General Dr Shahriar Hossain said Bangladesh's rapidly expanding plastics industry has not been matched by adequate chemical safety governance, warning that urgent intervention is needed to prevent continued exposure to hazardous additives.

Meanwhile, Mst Maksuda Khanom, Deputy Chief Chemist of the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), said 29 ministries are working to finalise a comprehensive Chemical Security Act under the Ministry of Industries. 

She expressed hope that the law would strengthen future chemical safety standards in the country.