A decision is expected on November 25-28 about what to do with ethanol in hand sanitizers, following recommendations from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) that it may increase the risk to cancer and complications during her pregnancy.
The European Commission is considering banning this ingredient in hand sanitizers as ethanol has been considered by ECHA as toxic substance. In the coming days, the European Agency is expected to meet on the issue, but the final decision is in the hands of the European Commission. Although ECHA highlights the possibility of an increase in cancer and the complications it can cause in pregnant women, the WHO has classified both ethanol and isopropanol as safe for hand hygiene.
In a publication by Financial Times it is stated that ethanol may “continue to be approved for the intended biocidal uses if these are considered safe taking into account expected levels of exposure or if no alternatives are found”.