Dozens of everyday hand sanitisers across Europe could soon vanish from store shelves — all because of growing fears that ethanol, their key ingredient, may increase cancer risk.
For decades, alcohol-based hand rubs have been trusted in hospitals and homes alike. They’ve even been listed as “essential medicines” by the World Health Organization. But now, EU officials are reconsidering their safety, with some suggesting a full ban or replacement.
Experts warn the move could cause chaos in hospitals. “Hand hygiene saves millions of lives each year,” said Alexandra Peters from the University of Geneva. “You can’t just replace ethanol — it’s the backbone of infection control.” Others fear alternatives like isopropanol could be even more toxic.
The UK, no longer bound by EU rules, would escape the ban. But for the rest of Europe, the outcome could reshape healthcare hygiene as we know it.
Sometimes, the things we take for granted — like a quick squirt of sanitiser — carry bigger questions about health, trust, and safety. Would you still use it if you knew the risks?
