EU weighs ban on ethanol used in hand sanitisers over cancer fears, FT reports

The European Union is reportedly considering banning the use of ethanol as an active ingredient in biocidal products — including hand sanitisers — due to rising concerns about potential cancer risks, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

According to the report, an internal recommendation dated 10 October from a working group within the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) identified ethanol as a toxic substance linked to an increased risk of cancer and pregnancy complications, suggesting it should be replaced in cleaning and other related products.

The ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee is scheduled to convene between 25 and 27 November.

In an emailed statement to Reuters, the ECHA said it was currently assessing ethanol’s suitability for biocidal use. The agency noted that if its expert committee determined ethanol could cause cancer or adversely affect human reproduction, it would recommend substituting the substance.

The ECHA added that evaluations were ongoing and no final conclusions had yet been reached. A definitive decision will be made by the European Commission after the committee issues its scientific opinion.

The World Health Organization continues to classify both ethanol and isopropanol as safe for use in hand hygiene.

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