The European Union is reviewing ethanol for potential carcinogenic classification, a decision that could significantly affect the use of hand sanitisers and disinfectants in hospitals and public spaces. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) flagged ethanol as a potentially toxic substance in an internal recommendation issued on October 10, citing cancer and reproductive risks.
The ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee is set to meet from November 25 to 28 to discuss the matter. If ethanol is officially classified as carcinogenic, the European Commission could recommend replacing it in cleaning products, though its use may still be permitted if exposure levels are deemed safe or if alternatives are unavailable.
Ethanol’s Role in Hygiene
Ethanol became a staple in hand sanitisers during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its effectiveness against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It is widely used in healthcare, food processing, and daily cleaning products. The current EU review, under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), assesses chemicals used as disinfectants to ensure safety for human use.
Distinguishing Between Alcohol and Sanitiser Risks
It is crucial to note that cancer risks cited by ECHA largely derive from ethanol consumption in alcoholic beverages, which contain additional contaminants. Pure ethanol used in hand sanitisers and disinfectants has not been independently classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). WHO also continues to classify ethanol and isopropanol as safe for hand hygiene purposes.
Next Steps
The EU consultation period, which ended on April 30, sought feedback on alternatives to ethanol. Final decisions will depend on ECHA’s committee findings and subsequent European Commission recommendations. Until then, ethanol-based sanitiser use remains permitted, with ongoing monitoring for potential health risks.
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