EU considering classifying ethanol used in biocidal products, according to FT

Financial Times reported that the European Union may consider classifying ethanol, which is used in biocidal hand sanitizers and other products to reduce bacteria, as a hazardous substance due to increased cancer risks.

The FT reported that an internal recommendation made on 10 October by one of the ECHA working groups flagged ethanol, a substance toxic, as a substance which increases the risk of pregnancy complications, cancer, and the need to replace it in cleaning products and other products.

Between November 25-27, the Biocidal Products Committee of ECHA will meet.

In an email, the ECHA stated that it was currently evaluating ethanol as a biocidal.

If its expert committee found that ethanol could cause cancer or harm to human reproduction, the regulator would recommend its replacement.

The statement added that the assessments are still in progress and that no conclusions have been reached. After the scientific opinion of the committee, the European Commission will make the final decision.

Both ethanol and isopropanol are classified as safe by the World Health Organization for use in hand hygiene. (Reporting from Disha Mishra in Bengaluru and Gnaneshwarrajan; additional reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh. Editing by Jamie Freed, Kate Mayberry and Kate Mayberry.

(source: Reuters)