EU Considers Ban on Ethanol in Hand Sanitisers Over Cancer Risk: FT Report

The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that the European Union is considering classifying ethanol, a key ingredient in many hand sanitisers, as a hazardous substance due to potential links to cancer.

According to the report, a working group of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued an internal recommendation on October 10, identifying ethanol as a toxic substance that could increase the risk of cancer and pregnancy-related complications. The group suggested that ethanol should be replaced in cleaning agents and other commonly used products.

ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee is scheduled to meet between November 25 and 28 to discuss the issue.

The regulator stated that if its expert committee concludes that “ethanol is carcinogenic,” it will recommend substituting the chemical, FT said, adding that the final decision will rest with the European Commission.

ECHA did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. However, the agency told the Financial Times that ethanol could still be approved for biocidal use if it is deemed safe at expected exposure levels or if no viable alternatives exist. The agency also emphasized that no final decision has been made yet.

The World Health Organization (WHO) currently considers both ethanol and isopropanol safe for use in hand hygiene products, such as sanitisers.