The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is reviewing the continued use of ethanol in disinfectants and other biocidal products, following scientific concerns that the substance may pose cancer and reproductive health risks.
According to information obtained by the Financial Times, a working group within the agency recently proposed classifying ethanol as a potentially toxic chemical.
The group’s assessment highlighted possible links between ethanol exposure and increased cancer incidence, as well as potential complications during pregnancy.
ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee is expected to deliberate on the matter during its next session, scheduled for late November.
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The discussions will focus on whether ethanol should remain authorised for use in biocidal formulations, including hand sanitisers and cleaning agents widely distributed across the European Union.
In a statement shared with Reuters, ECHA confirmed that its experts are currently evaluating the safety of ethanol when used in such products. Should the committee determine that ethanol presents unacceptable health hazards, a recommendation to replace it with safer alternatives would be submitted to the European Commission.
The agency stressed that its investigation remains ongoing and that no definitive position has yet been adopted.
The European Commission will issue the final ruling based on the committee’s scientific findings.
While the EU review continues, the World Health Organisation (WHO) maintains its endorsement of ethanol and isopropanol as safe and effective substances for hand hygiene, underscoring their vital role in infection control worldwide.
