What’s at stake for Europe?
Ethanol is the powerful, essential ingredient in the biocidal products that keep us safe and help stop the spread of infectious diseases. Ethanol in biocidal products is safe, effective, and it saves lives.
If ethanol in biocidal products were classified as a Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Reproductive Toxic (CMR) substance by the EU, it would result in a de facto ban of these products for public use as well as a severe restriction of their use in professional settings, ultimately leading to a complete phaseout. Under the EU’s Biocidal Products Regulation, there is no possibility for a product containing a CMR substance to be authorised for public use. Moreover, authorisations for professional use would be on a case-by-case basis by individual EU Member States following risk assessments – adding layers of costly red tape to EU businesses and in healthcare settings where resources are already stretched.
An absence of effective, safe ethanol-based biocidal products would inevitably lead to critical consequences for infection prevention and public health, in addition to heavy restrictions in many other sectors and applications beyond biocides. There would also be serious repercussions for several professional industries across the EU, including healthcare providers, food production and service, hospitality, and agriculture, as these biocidal products would be subject to widespread restrictions.
Is there an alternative to ethanol?
In countless studies and testimonies from scientists, academics, organisations, and corporates, including in the extensive, comprehensive Analysis of Alternatives conducted as part of the European Chemical Agency’s review process, the overwhelming conclusion is that no viable alternative to ethanol currently exists that meets the technical, operational, and practical requirements.
Other options, according to independent scientists, experts, studies and organisations:
- Are not as effective in infection/virus control and prevention
- Take longer to work
- Are dangerous to handle
- Are harsher on the skin
- Are not sufficiently available
- Are not fast enough to act
- Present a higher risk of accidental poisoning
Ethanol alternatives are at best ineffective or unavailable and at worst unsafe. Ethanol is irreplaceable.
We use products with ethanol every single day…
Ethanol-based biocidal products such as hand sanitisers, surface disinfectants, and antiseptics prevent infections in hospitals, homes, schools, farms, veterinary practices, sports halls, public spaces, and beyond. They protect our way of life.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we heard, read, and watched our politicians, health professionals, and independent organisations impress upon us the importance of disinfectants to prevent the spread of the virus. Since then, habits have remained.
We all use ethanol-based biocidal products because we know how effective and safe they are – and how vulnerable and isolated we can be without them.
Add your voice – put your #HandsUpForEthanol
It’s essential we act now before it’s too late. Contact your local Member of Parliament or click here to contact your Member of the European Parliament and tell them to stop the de facto ban on ethanol-based biocidal products!