Ethanol proposed to be classified as reproductive toxicant cat. 2.
This could render the substance unusable in some products, such as antiseptic hand rubs.
In Europe, the soaps and detergents trade body, AISE, has requested urgent intervention from the European Commission on reclassifying ethanol
as a reproductive toxicant cat.2. Initially thought to be classified as carcinogenic and reprotoxic 1A, ethanol has been proposed to be regulated to reproductive toxicity category 2.
Why is this so important?
Ethanol, a simple alcohol, has become a household name, particularly in the context of disinfectants. Its effectiveness in killing a wide range of microorganisms has made it a cornerstone of hygiene practices globally. From hand sanitizers to surface cleaners, ethanol has proven to be a reliable ally in the battle against infectious diseases.
The scientific community has extensively studied ethanol’s antimicrobial properties. Its mode of action involves denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes of microorganisms, rendering them incapable of carrying out vital functions. This makes it a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, effective against bacteria, fungi, and many viruses.
However, the efficacy of ethanol is not without its drawbacks. One major concern is its toxicity. In high concentrations, ethanol can be harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. This raises important questions about the balance between the benefits and risks of its widespread use.
Actions to be taken
Ethanol is an active substance still pending of approval according to BPR for its use in:
- PT1 (Human hygiene)
- PT2 (Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals
- PT4 (Food and feed area)
- and PT6 (Preservatives for products during storage)
Regulatory bodies such as the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) are going to play a crucial role in evaluating the safety of substances like ethanol. These committees are tasked with assessing the risks associated with ethanol’s use in consumer products and setting appropriate exposure limits so it is expected that they will assess this new classification approach in the near future to weigh the pros and cons of ethanol use in our society. Also to set measures to minimize the risks associated with its use in biocidal products.
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Source: Enhesa
