The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is reviewing whether to classify “Ethanol” a common active ingredient in hand-sanitisers and other biocidal products as a carcinogenic substance. If approved, such a classification would trigger stricter controls or substitutes under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation. On 10 October 2025, an internal ECHA working group suggested that ethanol may pose risks of cancer and reproductive harm when used in cleaning or disinfectant products. The final evaluation is expected when the agency’s Biocidal Products Committee meets between 24-28 November 2025, with a subsequent recommendation to the European Commission.
While ethanol-based sanitiser use soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, the debate centres on long-term exposure via skin contact or inhalation, not ingestion. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently classifies ethanol and isopropanol as safe for hand hygiene. Industry and healthcare professionals have raised concerns. As one expert put it:
“Hand hygiene, especially with alcohol-based rub, saves 16 million infections worldwide per year.”
They warn that if ethanol is banned without viable alternatives, infection control practices especially in hospitals may be compromised.
