Reclassification of ethanol: a choice based on misinformation?

Ethanol is indispensible. Period.

As a solvent, a preservative or a refrigerant and more, it is irreplaceable in biocides, cosmetics, cleaning products and adhesives. We all remember the alcohol gels we used during the COVID-19 pandemic: ethanol saved lives. And now they want to classify it as a carcinogenic substance… Where is the world heading?

On the basis of studies on excessive alcohol consumption, the Greek authorities have submitted a proposal to have ethanol classified as “carcinogenic”, “mutagenic” and “reprotoxic”. An alcohol gel is not a glass of beer. A perfume is not a glass of wine. A detergent is not a cocktail. It’s an absurd comparison that makes no sense!

So it’s impossible to compare exposure to ethanol through the skin or by inhaling with drinking alcohol. And yet they want to base a CMR classification on this. Ever heard of comparing apples with pears? Rather a sour apple... What’s more, there is absolutely no proof that ethanol in cosmetics, biocides and detergents is harmful with this means of exposure. The orange juice that we drink at breakfast every day contains a similar amount of ethanol as biocides, cosmetics, cleaning products and adhesives. So should we get rid of that, as well? 

There’s more: this reclassification threatens our economy and public health. A ban on ethanol would be catastrophic and there is no alternative. Hospitals would have no disinfectants, company would have to spend millions reformulating their products and our SMEs would face unfair competition. And the pinnacle? There is no benefit for consumers.

Conclusion: no advantage, only loss!

Hence this call from Detic: stop this proposal! Base your assessment only on correct data underpinned by science, not on an incomplete dossier or other misinformation. Let’s listen to the science. Let’s not compare apples with pears. Let’s just use common sense.