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EU may label Ethanol as a carcinogenic chemical, raising concerns over sanitiser safety

The European Chemicals Agency reviews ethanol’s cancer and reproductive risk potential, with a decision expected by late November that could reshape disinfectant regulations.

  • The European Union is weighing a move to label ethanol as potentially dangerous after an internal European Chemicals Agency note on October 10, with ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee reviewing it between November 25 and 28.
  • An advisory from ECHA's working group noted that ethanol, widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic in hand sanitizers and surface cleaners, might contribute to cancer and pregnancy complications.
  • The World Health Organization says ethanol and isopropanol remain safe for hand hygiene when used as directed, while ECHA clarified ethanol could be permitted if safe exposure levels are proven.
  • If the committee finds carcinogenic risks, it could recommend replacing ethanol in most formulations, and any final reclassification would be decided by the European Commission, affecting manufacturers and healthcare providers.
  • A final ruling could reshape regulation across Europe, and EU regulators may change rules for disinfectants and cleaning agents, though ECHA stressed ethanol could remain allowed if proven safe or irreplaceable.
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Lean Left

It is toxic and increases the risk of cancer. The European Chemicals Agency proposed banning ethanol in mid-October. The proposal will be assessed by other experts. If the European Union were to ban ethanol, it would primarily affect manufacturers of disinfectants and cleaning products. Experts are skeptical about the proposal, saying there is no healthier alternative available.

Right

The European Union is considering classifying ethanol as carcinogenic. Should this be the case, would it in fact prohibit hand disinfection ... The post hand disinfectant soon banned? EU could classify ethanol as carcinogenic appeared first on Apollo News.

Center

The European Union takes into account the classification of ethanol, an ingredient used in the composition of many hand disinfectants, as a dangerous substance that increases the risk of cancer, reported on March each financial Times (FT).

·Romania
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The European Union is considering classifying ethanol as a hazardous substance because ethanol increases the risk of cancer.

·Estonia
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yle broke the news in Finland on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
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