The European Union is considering banning ethanol as an active ingredient in biocidal products, including hand sanitisers, amid growing concerns over its potential cancer risk, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) flagged ethanol as a toxic substance, citing increased cancer risks and potential reproductive harm, following an internal recommendation made by one of its working groups on Oct. 10.
ECHA said the substance might contribute to pregnancy complications and should be replaced in disinfectants and other cleaning products used across the bloc.
The agency’s Biocidal Products Committee is scheduled to meet from Nov. 25 to 28, where the matter is expected to be discussed further.
In an emailed 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.
ECHA emphasised that evaluations were still ongoing and no final conclusion had been reached. The European Commission would make the final decision based on the scientific opinion of the agency’s expert committee.
Despite the review, the World Health Organisation continues to classify ethanol and isopropanol as safe for hand hygiene.
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