Intro
The reclassification of ethanol could have far-reaching consequences.

The ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) is currently reviewing ethanol, which is an approved active substance that is also used in disinfectants, preservatives and solvents. When used correctly, activities involving ethanol are currently considered safe under the workplace health and safety regulations. However, a possible reclassification could result in usage restrictions with far-reaching consequences for many sectors.

Reasons for the reclas­si­fi­ca­tion

The EU’s Biocidal Products Regulation also covers how products that are used to combat bacteria, fungi, insects or pests are placed on the market and used. Due to a legal amendment implemented in 2012, all of the active substances that were launched in the European market before 2013 must be reassessed. Ethanol is also subject to this reassessment. This involves testing whether the substance is classified as potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic.

Three types of biocidal products containing ethanol are being studied:

• hygiene products used by humans, such as hand sanitisers;
  
• disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals;
  
• products used in food and animal feed.
  

Reclas­si­fi­ca­tion effects

The ECHA's pending decision is considered ground-breaking as it could affect the future use of ethanol in disinfectants and other biocidal products. Few alternatives exist, so numerous professional associations, such as the German Society for General and Hospital Hygiene, warn of the potential consequences of giving up on ethanol.

Ethanol is essential, especially in hand sanitisers. It is considerably more effective against specific viruses, such as adenoviruses, human enteroviruses or the polio virus than other alcohols (e.g. propanol). This is why the World Health Organization counts ethanol as an essential medicine. Restricting its use or even banning it could have far-reaching consequences when it comes to controlling infections in hospitals and other facilities.

ECHA’s assess­ment

ECHA collected feedback about alternatives to ethanol until April. DSV also participated. However, the collected input will not be incorporated in the Agency's decision, but it might play an important role in subsequent decisions that the EU Member States will have to make. Together with the European Commission, they will have to decide - based on the ECHA assessments - whether biocidal products containing ethanol may still be approved. However, the ECHA must first complete its assessment of reclassification before this can happen.