Ethanol has become a household name for health as it is a better choice for modern lifestyles and the environment. Commonly known as ‘alcohol’, the chemical has found its way into homes and institutions around the world as a key ingredient in hand sanitizers during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there is now a debate that ethanol is harmful to health. The European Union is moving towards banning the use of ethanol. If it does, the decision could have a serious impact on global healthcare, industries and everyday life.
This proposed decision by the European Union is not a sudden step, it is based on a detailed and extensive study conducted by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). A report by ‘ECHA’, the regulatory body responsible for the use and safety of chemicals in Europe, has raised serious concerns regarding ethanol.
The report states that ethanol contains a mixture of certain toxic and harmful substances, which can have serious effects on the human body after prolonged exposure. In addition, ethanol increases the risk of cancer and can be harmful to the developing fetus during pregnancy. Considering such concerns, the European ‘Risk Assessment Committee’ is recommending a complete ban on its use by placing ethanol in the category of ‘dangerous substances’.
One of the most important and life-saving uses of ethanol is its use as an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. In the healthcare sector, especially in hospitals, it is the best and most popular option for infection control. The specialty of ethanol is that it inactivates pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses very quickly and effectively. Research shows that regular and systematic use of ethanol-based sanitizers significantly reduces the rate of hospital-acquired infections by up to 50 percent.
