The general classification and labeling of ethanol as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) not only jeopardizes but hinders rapid protection against infections.
If ethanol is classified and labeled as CMR substance, ethanol-based products can no longer be used in the following areas:
- in hand disinfectants for health care professionals, patients, and visitors in hospitals and other health care facilities,
- in hand disinfectants sold to consumers in pharmacies or drugstores, and
- in disinfectants used for surfaces in hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, the food and beverage industry, and the cosmetics industry.