Anti-Freeze To Be Made Bitter

Wednesday, April 01, 2009 11:24 AM

Prince George, B.C.- British Columbia will be the first province in Canada to legally require the addition of a bittering agent to anti-freeze and engine coolants sold in the province.

The new law is aimed at reducing the risk of acidental poisoning of children and pets. "The sweet taste of antifreeze is a major reason for the accidental -often fatal - ingestion of toxic antifreeze by young children, pets and wildlife" says Environment Minister Barry Penner. "By making it mandatory to add an extremely bitter substance to the product, we will make it less appealing,reducing its likelihood of being consumed in significant quantities."

The bittering agent is denatonium benzoate, better known under the trade names Bitrex or Aversion It is the most bitter chemical compound known to date. For years, this substance and other similar bittering agents have been used effectively for things like as nail biting remedies and anti-chewing/licking products for pets. Bittering agents have also been used to prevent accidental poisonings from some toiletries, household cleaners and pesticides.

"We are very pleased the government is taking this initiative to reduce the threat of antifreeze poisoning for animals across B.C.," said Craig Daniell, CEO of the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "Every year our constables and animal care staff deal with numerous cases of pets who have been poisoned by ethylene glycol antifreeze."

The new Antifreeze Regulation will be effective Jan. 1, 2011.

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Posted on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 11:24 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Shellshadow on April 1 2009 2:53 PM

I had a dog die from this very thing and it was the most horible death. The neighbour who left the bowl out with the anitfreeze only meant "to take care of the stray cats". I tried to inform the fool that NO ANIMAL deserved to die like that. He paid me for my dog in the end but that did not help the loss I felt. This was 30 years ago now but I am so happy that something is finaly being done.

Posted by: beesknees on April 1 2009 3:58 PM

Andyfreeze, this story is something that has your name written all over it.

I'm waiting to hear your comment before saying anything myself :-)

Posted by: He speaks on April 1 2009 4:53 PM

Its no fun watching your pet die this way.

Posted by: pgduchess on April 1 2009 7:02 PM

That is great news but I am wondering why this will not be effective until January 1, 2011.

Posted by: He speaks on April 1 2009 10:55 PM

It takes a little while to get rid of the old stock. Its not as if you could just pour it down a sink.

Posted by: Quaddin on April 2 2009 1:03 PM

I wonder if this product Bitrex or Aversion could be added to the rad after the antifreeze is already in the vehicle. Seems to me that this would bridge the time gap and be a benefit to both pets and wild animals as well.