EU Weighs Classifying Ethanol as Carcinogenic in Biocidal Uses

Overview

• ECHA documents reported by the Financial Times show an October 10 working‑group recommendation flagging ethanol for cancer and reproductive risks and urging replacement in cleaners and disinfectants.
• ECHA says the assessment is ongoing and no decision has been made, noting ethanol could still be approved for specific biocidal uses if exposure is deemed safe or no alternatives exist.
• The Biocidal Products Committee is scheduled to meet November 25–28, and a carcinogenic conclusion would trigger a formal substitution recommendation to the European Commission.
• Much of the cited risk evidence stems from alcohol consumption rather than topical or inhalation exposure, while WHO maintains ethanol and isopropanol are safe for hand hygiene.
• Any move to restrict ethanol could reshape hospital infection‑control practices given its widespread use in hand sanitisers and disinfectants, prompting concern from healthcare and industry groups.