In a recent article published on HPC Today (Issue 5/2025), Nicole Vaini, Head of EU Affairs, and Francesca Pistoni, Junior Public Affairs Manager, explain the indispensable role of ethanol in public health protection and raise concerns about its potential regulatory reclassification within the European Union.
Ethanol is a key active substance in biocidal products used across many sectors, including healthcare, food safety and consumer hygiene. Its broad-spectrum efficacy and rapid action have made it a cornerstone of infection prevention strategies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its safety and effectiveness, ethanol remains a critical tool in maintaining hygiene standards and preventing disease transmission.
However, the authors warn of a significant regulatory challenge: ethanol is currently under review for potential classification as a carcinogenic and reproductive toxicant (CMR) under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). If reclassified, its use in biocidal applications could be severely restricted or banned, with far-reaching implications for public health, industry operations and pandemic preparedness.
Key points highlighted include:
- The essential preventive role of ethanol in infection control.
- The scientific consensus on ethanol’s safety profile and its critical function in high-risk environments.
- The impact of a CMR classification, which could disrupt supply chains, increase costs and reduce access to effective hygiene solutions.
- The urgent need for proportionate, evidence-based regulation that prioritises public health and maintains access to vital biocidal substances.
A.I.S.E. urges EU policymakers to consider the broader public health implications and to ensure that regulatory decisions do not compromise Europe’s resilience against future health crises. Ethanol must continue to be recognised not only as a chemical substance but as a strategic asset in safeguarding public health.
Read the full article on HPC Today website:
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