Iodine identified as endocrine disruptor

Two iodine substances have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Both are used extensively in hand sanitisers and in the food and veterinary industry.

The two active substances iodine and PVP-iodine (polyvidone iodine) meet the criteria for endocrine disruption. This opinion was concluded at a meeting in ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee in late September.

It is now up to the European Commission to decide what will be the next step. This is likely to include an exploration regarding alternatives to iodine, and/or a risk assessment will be made of the use of iodine in biocidal products.

The decision creates uncertainty about current applications for authorisation of biocidal products containing iodine.

For more information about regulation of biocidal products, please contact:

Michael Fink
mif@dhigroup.com
Tel +45 4516 9156