How is ethanol regulated in the EU?
In the EU, ethanol used in cleaning and maintenance products is regulated under several frameworks to ensure safety and environmental protection. The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) oversees the use of ethanol in disinfectants and other biocidal products, ensuring they are safe for human health and the environment. Additionally, ethanol must comply with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation, which mandates thorough evaluation and authorisation of chemicals used in various products. The Classification, Labelling, and Packaging Regulation (CLP) also requires proper hazard communication to ensure safe handling and use. These regulations collectively maintain high safety standards while allowing the continued use of ethanol in essential cleaning and maintenance products.
Why is the EU considering a de facto ban on the public availability of ethanol-based biocidal products?
The European Chemicals Agency is due to issue a recommendation to the European Commission as to whether it should classify ethanol in biocidal products as a carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxic (CMR) substance under the BPR and CLP Regulations.
Countless independent scientific studies have shown that ethanol in biocidal products is completely safe. The products are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), among others, as the gold standard for hand hygiene.
The data being considered by the European Chemicals Agency is based on oral intake – mainly data on the adverse effects of excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages.
Essentially, the EU is considering restricting ethanol in biocidal products such as disinfectants, hand sanitisers and antiseptics…because they think you might drink them.
Biocidal products like sanitisers, disinfectants and antiseptics are not intended to be drunk. When used on skin, the absorption of ethanol is either undetectable or negligible. When used as a spray, the inhalation uptake is far below toxic thresholds.
Ethanol in biocidal products is safe, effective, and saves lives.
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!