The European Union is considering classifying ethanol, a key ingredient in hand sanitizers and other biocidal products, as a dangerous substance due to potential cancer and reproductive health risks, according to a report by the Financial Times on Tuesday.
An internal recommendation issued on October 10 by one of the working groups within the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reportedly identified ethanol as a toxic substance, suggesting it may increase the risk of cancer and pregnancy complications. The group proposed that ethanol should be replaced in cleaning and disinfectant products if these concerns are confirmed.
The ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee is scheduled to convene between November 25 and 27 to further review the findings. In an emailed statement to Reuters, the agency confirmed that it is currently assessing ethanol for its biocidal applications.
“If the expert committee concludes that ethanol has the potential to cause cancer or harm human reproduction, it will recommend substitution,” the ECHA said, adding that the scientific evaluation remains ongoing and no final conclusions have yet been reached.
The final decision on whether to reclassify ethanol will rest with the European Commission, following the ECHA committee’s scientific opinion.
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If the EU’s classification proceeds, it could have significant implications for manufacturers of sanitizers and cleaning products across Europe, many of whom rely on ethanol as a primary active ingredient.
