Ethanol May Pose Health Risk to Pregnant Women, Development Complications – EU
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) warned that ethanol, a common ingredient in hand sanitisers, disinfectants, and cosmetics, may pose health risks to pregnant women and cause developmental complications.
According to a report by the Financial Times on Tuesday, the ECHA made an internal recommendation on October 10, classifying ethanol as a potential carcinogen and reproductive toxin.
The move has prompted the European Union (EU) to initiate a full safety review of the widely used chemical.
The agency’s Biocidal Products Committee is expected to deliberate the issue from November 25 to 28, after which its scientific findings will be forwarded to the European Commission for a final decision.
In a statement to Reuters, the ECHA confirmed it was reviewing ethanol’s safety profile, noting that “if the panel determines significant risks exist, substitution may be recommended.”
While global manufacturers await the EU’s verdict, health authorities caution that restrictions could disrupt disinfectant production and strain healthcare supply chains worldwide.
“This review could have significant implications for global public health,” the statement read.
Despite the concerns, the World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to maintain that ethanol and isopropanol remain safe for hand hygiene when used appropriately, urging calm until the EU review is concluded.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
Chukwu Obinna 
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness