Potential Ban on disinfectant Hand Gels Faces Opposition Over Cancer Concerns & Hospital Impacts
Brussels – A potential European Union ban on ethanol, a key ingredient in widely-used disinfectant hand gels and cleaning products, is facing strong opposition from experts who warn of meaningful health and logistical risks.Teh debate stems from concerns raised by European experts regarding long-term exposure to ethanol, which they say may contribute to liver problems, reduced fertility, and an increased risk of breast and colon cancer.
Ethanol, commonly known as alcohol, has been a crucial component in combating the spread of bacteria and viruses, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Institution since the 1990s and currently approved for use in the EU based on safety assessments, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is re-evaluating its classification.
The ECHA committee will meet at the end of November to determine whether ethanol should be classified as a harmful substance. However, experts argue a ban could have a “huge impact” on hospitals globally, disrupting infection control protocols. they also caution that readily available alternatives to ethanol may be more hazardous,offering a less effective level of protection.
The Financial Times reported on the developing situation,highlighting the lack of viable alternatives as a primary concern. While alcohol-based cleaning products were widely adopted during the pandemic to protect against coronavirus, the potential long-term health effects are now under scrutiny.
