The main chemical industry lobby group in Estonia has branded calls at EU level to ban ethanol from cleaning products and sanitizers as “absurd” and has appealed to ministries in Estonia on the issue.
A EU Chemicals Agency (ECHA) review of the categorization of ethanol used in disinfectants may lead to it being deemed a carcinogenic and reproductive toxicant chemical (CMR).
If so, ethanol will no longer be permitted in detergents, sanitizers, maintenance and cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, and strict restrictions will apply to its few remaining uses.
The ECHA’s rationale is based on the harmful effects of ethanol, including carcinogenic effects when ingested.
Ethanol is widely used in consumer chemicals.
Read more: ERR.EE
