Rejection of Ban on Ethanol-Based Hand Gels

Concerns Over Lack of Alternatives

Other experts strictly reject the plan to introduce a ban on ethanol-based hand gels because there is no good alternative. During the Corona pandemic, the public was advised to clean their hands with hand gel as often as possible to protect against the Coronavirus.

Risks Associated with Banning Ethanol-Based Products

Cleaners containing alcohol, such as ethanol, are considered harmless in the EU and are therefore approved. Experts warn that banning these products poses major risks, particularly in hospitals, where hand hygiene is crucial. Moreover, the alternatives to ethanol would be even more dangerous, making the ban a potentially counterproductive measure.

Upcoming Decision on Ethanol Classification

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) committee is scheduled to meet at the end of November to decide whether ethanol should be classified as harmful. This decision will have significant implications for the use of ethanol-based hand gels in the EU. Experts argue that a ban on these products would be premature and could have unintended consequences.