Ethanol may increase the risk of cancer
The European Union is considering taking strict steps regarding the use of ethanol. According to media reports, the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has said in a report that elements have been found in ethanol which can be harmful to humans. It has been claimed in this report that ethanol can increase the risk of cancer and can also have adverse effects on pregnant women. On this basis, a European committee is considering banning it.
Ethanol is used extensively in making sanitizers. Sanitizer is very important in hospitals to keep hands clean and prevent infection. Ethanol kills bacteria, viruses and fungus very quickly. With its use, there is a reduction of about 50% in the cases of infection in hospitals.
What will happen if ethanol is banned?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 out of every 10 patients undergoing treatment in hospital becomes vulnerable to some infection. Every year about 50 lakh people die due to such hospital infections. According to doctors, sanitizers made from ethanol are the easiest and most effective way to reduce this danger.
If ethanol is banned, hospitals will have to use sanitizers made from other chemicals. But they are neither that effective nor safe. Sometimes such sanitizers cause skin irritation or allergy. In such situations, even doctors and nurses shy away from using them. This will have a direct impact on patients and the risk of infection spreading in hospitals will increase.
Not only hospitals, many industries will also be affected
Ethanol is not only used in sanitizers but also in keeping medicines, vaccines, antiseptics and many medical equipment clean. Apart from this, ethanol is also essential in making perfumes and many types of cosmetics. If ethanol is banned then all these industries will be affected. The supply of medicines and medical goods will be affected and many products may become expensive.
What is ethanol and why is it so important?
Ethanol is a transparent, fast-evaporating alcohol, which instantly destroys viruses, bacteria and fungus. This is why its role in infection control has been at the forefront. From sterilizing treatment equipment in hospitals to hand hygiene, this chemical remains the backbone of infection prevention around the world.
During Covid-19, when hand washing and use of sanitizer became the main method of survival, the utility of ethanol increased even more. Its effectiveness is quick and it does not last long on the skin. But now a new scientific evaluation has started regarding the safety of this chemical.
Difference between drinking ethanol and sanitizer ethanol
It is important to understand that the danger that scientists are talking about is mainly related to the entry of ethanol into the body. In case of drinking alcohol, it directly affects the body organs and many agencies including WHO have already warned that excessive alcohol consumption can cause cancer and reproductive health harm.
But the ethanol used in hand sanitizer remains on the skin for only a few seconds and evaporates into the air. For this reason its absorption in the body is negligible. Therefore, scientists currently consider the use of sanitizer safe for common users. The root of the problem is mainly occupational contact or prolonged direct chemical contact.
What could be the EU’s next step?
A committee of the European Chemicals Agency will conduct a detailed review of this proposal. This will be considered in November 2025 and the final decision is likely to come by 2027. If ethanol is officially declared carcinogenic and harmful to reproduction, warning labels on sanitizers, cleaners and many industrial products will become mandatory in Europe. Instructions may also be issued to limit its maximum quantity in some products. On one hand, such a decision can increase consumer safety, while on the other hand, industries will have to move forward in changing the formulas of their products, finding new options and developing technology.
Is an alternative to ethanol possible?
Research is going on to replace ethanol with other chemicals, but it is not easy. This chemical is effective, cheap and easily available. Benzalkonium chloride, used in alcohol-free sanitizers, is useful in many cases, but it has less effect on some viruses. Similarly, research is also being done towards developing new sanitizers from antimicrobial mixtures. But in the field of infection control, an alternative that provides balanced effectiveness and safety like ethanol does not yet exist.
Problems may increase due to burning of ethanol
The impact of the discussion on classifying ethanol as a hazardous substance in the European Union is now visible in India as well. Especially in cities like Bengaluru, where ethanol is used in large quantities by mixing it with petrol as fuel and for sanitization in hospitals and companies. Burning of petrol mixed with ethanol can release gases like acetaldehyde and formaldehyde. These gases are considered to be associated with serious diseases like cancer in humans. This is why people are worried about its use.
India has set a target of mixing 20% ethanol in petrol.
The Indian government has set a target of mixing 20% ethanol in petrol, which will reduce pollution and reduce dependence on oil imports. But if Europe imposes strict rules on ethanol, it may impact India’s policy, because India also exports ethanol to European countries. Ethanol is used not only in fuel but also in perfumes, lotions and many cosmetic products. If there is a ban or restriction on ethanol, not only will European companies suffer losses, but the global supply chain will also be disrupted. Experts say that there are alternatives, but they are expensive and their effect may not be as effective as ethanol.