Three successive studies, conducted one by the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) and the other two by researchers of a few universities, find microplastics in toothpaste and heavy metals in commercially produced guava in Rajshahi region and processed foods respectively. The presence of microplastics in 26 of the 34 toothpaste samples ranging from 20 to 320 particles per 100 grams is shocking. What is most objectionable is that the microplasstic particles are deliberately mixed with toothpaste because those are cheaper than other contents.
Although there is no law to limit or control such foreign ingredients in toothpaste, this is an unethical and criminal practice. The invasion of polythene and plastic is unrelenting and experts are of the opinion that the non-biodegradable characteristic of these substances has the potential of endangering not only soil, water bodies including seas and the environment but also human civilisation. Microplastics originating from those substances are so ubiquitous that they can enter human body from air people inhale. Toothpaste may not be food as such but since mouth is the gateway of nutritious foods as well as harmful bacteria and elements floating in air, microplastics' entry into the internal organs cannot be ruled out. In case of children, unintended swallowing of toothpaste is more likely to happen.
The title of the study "Microplastics in Toothpaste: Scientific Evidence for Policy and Regulatory Action in Bangladesh" says it all about the purpose of the investigation. Of the 34 samples representing major brands produced in Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Vietnam, eight received a clean chit. What is remarkable is the naming of the names of toothpastes with the exact concentration of particles in them. If the local and multinational companies stop deliberate mixture of microplastics, well and good; if not the regulatory bodies would have to be armed with fresh legal provisions to deal with this problem. Microplastics may cause cellular and tissue damage, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease and hormone disruption. So the protocol should be strict enough to make toothpaste free from nanoplastics.
Now the results of the next study on guavas grown in Rajshahi division are also a cause for serious concern. Here is a popular fruit that is relatively cheaper and rich in food value. Comparative study on orchard guavas and those grown on household compounds has shown the former are laden with toxic heavy metals including lead, cadmium, arsenic and copper. Concentration of all these four heavy metals was abnormally higher in commercially grown guavas. Homestead guavas contained lead, arsenic and copper within the approved limits except cadmium which was higher than the limit of 0.05 miligram for a kilogram of guava. But for orchard guavas, this limit was 1.88 miligram per kilogram.
Researchers have also applied the method used by the US environmental and food safety agencies to determine the risks posed by heavy metals in guava to human health. Regular intake of guava can be highly risky for both adults and children but the latter are more likely to suffer the adverse consequences because of their low body weight.
In this context, it is particularly important to know how the heavy metals get into the fruit. The researchers involved have acknowledged this limitation of their study. They have tested neither the soil nor the water used for irrigation. Fertilisers and pesticides applied to the guava orchards under study may also be a possible source. A comprehensive study should be undertaken to determine the source of the heavy metals present in guavas. The sooner it is done the better. Once the source is identified, remedial measures can be taken to neutralise the concentration of heavy metals in guavas beyond the approved level.
The third study on processed foods and beverages reveals even more alarming levels of concentration of heavy metals in this particular category of popular items. Once again, children are more at risk. Of the 32 such tempting consumables to children and young people, 31 poses high health risks including cancer. Researchers of Jashore Science and Technology University, Daffodil International University and the University of Wollongong in Australia jointly carried out the study.
The landmark study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis found presence of alarming proportion of toxic heavy metals in 31 products out of 32 tested. Particularly beverages like artificial mango juice were found to contain 594 and 280 times more lead and chromium respectively than the prescribed limit. The concentration of other heavy metals like arsenic, copper, cadmium and nickel was found to be several times higher than the threshold approved by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Many are aware of the health risks from processed foods and beverages but the level of contamination is beyond comprehension. How this category of foods and beverages, including bakery items like biscuits and breads, get so heavily contaminated is a most important question. It is more like administering a daily dose of poison to children who are at risk from 31 products while the adults face similar risks from nine of the items. Either way, it is an unacceptable food safety regime and the risks should be mitigated through research on and analysis of the products in question.
There is no reason to think that the three studies are exhaustive. More essential commodity candidates are awaiting investigation. Many more are likely to pose similar health risks. A study on pasteurised packet cow milk carried out by a Dhaka University teacher a few years ago also found presence of heavy metals in this so-called ideal food item. In absence of follow-up stories, this highly sensitive issue was dead and buried. Commercial interests prevailed over public health. Not a wise move by the authorities concerned!
