ECHA’s carcinogenic warning on ethanol sparks nationwide concern over proposed EU ban
Bengaluru: Amid reports that the European Union is considering restrictions on ethanol-based products following carcinogenic concerns raised by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), Indian medical experts have clarified that ethanol use in the country poses no immediate health risk.
Ethanol which is widely used in hand sanitisers and fuel blending, has come under scrutiny after ECHA flagged potential cancer risks. In a report published by The New Indian Express, the International Association for Soaps, Detergent and Maintenance Products (AISE) noted that the study is based primarily on oral intake data—specifically and excessive alcohol consumption—rather than topical or environmental exposure.
“Ethanol’s carcinogenic concerns mainly arise from high or prolonged exposure,” said Dr. Srinath, an oncologist at Asha Hospitals and Research Centre. “We must review exposure levels and identify any vulnerable groups.”
The TIE report cited Dr. Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, a general physician, as saying, “Alcohol-based sanitizers are still effective and reliable. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds remains ideal.”
Cautioning that ethanol-blended fuels present a more complex case, Dr. Srinath explained, “Burning ethanol-blended fuels can increase emissions of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde—both linked to cancer. But this doesn’t mean ethanol fuels are inherently harmful. Air quality depends on the overall pollutant mix, and ethanol blends may actually reduce some other toxic emissions.”
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No unannounced load shedding in Kerala, outages due to overload, says Minister
Palakkad (PTI): Kerala Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty on Saturday said there was no unannounced load shedding in the state, attributing recent power interruptions to temporary overload caused by high consumption.
Clarifying concerns raised from various parts of the state, the minister said the disruptions are not deliberate but occur when demand peaks, particularly between 10 pm and 11 pm.
"It is not being done intentionally. Power consumption has risen sharply, and when there is excessive and indiscriminate usage, the system experiences overload, leading to natural supply interruptions," he told reporters here.
His remarks come amid complaints that several areas have been witnessing frequent power cuts, often lasting around 15 minutes and occurring multiple times during the night.
Krishnankutty said the state's power demand has crossed 6,195 MW, putting pressure on the supply system. He added that around 70 per cent of Kerala's electricity is procured from outside, and existing power banking arrangements have been exhausted.
"We have approached the Regulatory Commission seeking permission to purchase more power. However, this will come at a higher cost," he said.
The minister said the government is trying to avoid increasing electricity tariffs and urged consumers to exercise restraint in usage to help manage the situation.
Responding to opposition criticism over the ruling LDF's earlier claims of a decade without power cuts, he said the current situation is not unique to Kerala.
A power crisis is emerging across the country, he said, and sarcastically asked the Opposition to take note of the role of natural factors in this.
Krishnankutty expressed confidence that the situation would improve within two days, while cautioning that long-term energy security would depend on enhancing in-state power generation.
He also warned that future generations could face serious challenges if adequate electricity production capacity is not developed within Kerala.
