News
Mar 10, 2026 - Cosmetics
Ethanol – no decision on carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity yet
Ethanol is a widely used substance with a very diverse range of uses (alcoholic beverages, disinfectants, etc.). The Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) concluded at the end of February of this year that ethanol may continue to be used in the following product groups:
Product Type 1: Human hygiene products, such as hand disinfectants
Product Type 2: Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans and animals
Product Type 3: Products in the food and feed area
A final decision regarding the carcinogenic and reproductive toxic properties of ethanol has not been made. As a result, no new hazard classification is required for the time being.
The reasons for this are as follows:
- Data gaps in the area of dermal and inhalation exposure
- The majority of evidence for carcinogenic and reproductive toxic potential is based on the effects of voluntary consumption of alcoholic beverages, which does not provide an appropriate data basis for biocidal use
- Studies on more relevant exposure routes are currently being conducted, the results of which will be considered a key component of further hazard classification
The European Commission will use the BPC recommendation as a basis for drafting an implementing regulation for the approval of ethanol as a biocide for the above product types. However, it will be months before a final decision is made on the approval of ethanol as a biocidal active substance.
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