EU Considers Reclassification of Ethanol in Biocidal Products

The European Union is evaluating whether to reclassify ethanol in biocidal products, like hand sanitizers, as a dangerous substance due to potential cancer risks. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) flagged ethanol as toxic. The ECHA Biocidal Products Committee will meet in late November to discuss further.

The European Union may soon classify ethanol, commonly used in biocidal products such as hand sanitizers, as a dangerous substance due to concerns about its link to cancer, suggests a report by the Financial Times.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recently identified ethanol as a potential toxic substance that could increase cancer and pregnancy risks. This has prompted a call for its replacement in cleaning products and other similar items.

The ECHA's Biocidal Products Committee is expected to convene from November 25 to 27 to deliberate further. Meanwhile, assessments are ongoing, with the final decision to be made by the European Commission based on the committee's findings.

(With inputs from agencies.)