The High Court today directed the government to form a three-member expert committee, to be led by a teacher from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), to investigate the presence of microplastics in 26 out of 34 toothpaste samples available in the market.

4 children’s products were among the 26 samples in which particles were detected

In her childhood, Anwara Akhter would begin the day by collecting mango leaves or cutting a neem twig. She would chew one end until it frayed into bristles, then use the fibrous tip to scrub her teeth.

United States President Barack Obama approved a bill on Monday banning soaps, toothpastes, and bodywashes that contain a harmful ingredient.