BRUSSELS – The European Union is considering banning ethanol as an active ingredient in biocidal products, including hand sanitisers, amid growing concerns over its potential cancer and reproductive risks, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.
The move follows an October 10 recommendation from an internal working group at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which flagged ethanol as a toxic substance.
ECHA is reportedly concerned the substance might contribute to cancer and pregnancy complications and should be replaced in disinfectants used across the bloc.
The agency’s Biocidal Products Committee is scheduled to meet from November 25 to 28, where the matter is expected to be discussed.
In a statement to Reuters, ECHA confirmed it was “currently assessing ethanol for its use in biocidal applications.” It added that if the expert panel concluded ethanol posed risks of cancer or reproductive harm, a recommendation for substitution would follow.
However, ECHA emphasised that evaluations are still ongoing and no final conclusion has been reached. The European Commission will make the final decision based on the scientific opinion of the agency’s expert committee.
Despite the review, the World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to classify ethanol and isopropanol as safe for hand hygiene.
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