Bittering agent will be applied to products manufactured in all 50 states. Antifreeze and engine coolant manufactured in the United States will now contain a bitter flavoring agent to prevent animals and children from being poisoned by the sweet-tasting liquid.

Is there a bittering agent in antifreeze?

Antifreeze and engine coolant are made with ethylene glycol, a highly toxic compound with a sweet taste that appeals to animals and children. ... Seventeen states currently require adding a bittering agent to ethylene glycol, usually denatonium benzoate.

When was bittering agent added to antifreeze?

Most automotive antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to animals and humans and can produce life-threatening kidney damage, even in small amounts. This law requires the addition of a bittering agent to retail containers of antifreeze. This law took effect on January 1, 2011.

Does antifreeze have a bitter taste?

Toxicologists have long considered ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in many antifreeze and engine coolant formulas, to be a seductive and uniquely dangerous poison. ... They are making antifreeze taste awful – so very bitter it will be nearly impossible to drink by accident.

What is added to antifreeze to make it bitter?

Today, all major marketers are placing the bitterant in antifreeze in all 50 states." This brings up an important point. The inclusion of denatonium benzoate in antifreeze does not mean it is now safe for pets, wildlife, or children. Denatonium benzoate simple makes the mixture taste bitter instead of sweet.

Deadliest Chemicals In The World

27 related questions found

Is all antifreeze ethylene glycol?

Most antifreeze/coolants contain ethylene glycol (EG) – a slightly sweet smelling chemical that is poisonous to animals and humans. Propylene glycol (PG), which is less hazardous, is also used. Both are still toxic when drained, and should be disposed of properly.

Is pink antifreeze safe for pets?

Is RV antifreeze toxic to animals? RV antifreeze made from Propylene Glycol is designed to be non-toxic. Despite this, RV antifreeze can be unsafe or deadly to dogs, cats, birds, poultry, and other animals in sufficient quantities.

Are all antifreeze sweet?

Most antifreeze is made from ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze tastes sweet but is highly toxic to both humans and animals. ... While this is a step in the right direction that will undoubtedly save lives, consumers should still be encouraged use antifreeze made from propylene glycol instead.

Does antifreeze taste like Gatorade?

Antifreeze commonly contains ethylene glycol, the very poison that killed Julie. Prosecutors said James probably learned online that the sweet taste of antifreeze can easily blend with the similarly colored, sweet tasting Gatorade. ... "This is not a painless way to die.

Are animals attracted to antifreeze?

The majority of antifreeze products on the market contain 95% Ethylene Glycol, a highly toxic chemical to all mammals and moderately toxic to aquatic animals. ... Animals are attracted to ethylene glycol because of the sweet taste.

What states require bittering agent in antifreeze?

Since 2005, Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin have passed legislation requiring the addition of a bittering agent to antifreeze.

Are cats attracted to antifreeze?

Antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid are serious hazards for animals. Unfortunately, the taste of antifreeze is attractive to cats. ... Ethylene glycol toxicity primarily affects the cat's kidneys and central nervous system.

Is all antifreeze pet safe?

Pet-safe antifreezes do exist. Instead of containing ethylene glycol, these versions of antifreeze contain propylene glycol—which has a much wider margin of safety. It is still best practice to keep pets out of any type of chemicals, even pet-safe antifreeze.

Why do alcoholics drink antifreeze?

Alcoholics may also drink it as a substitute for alcohol (ethanol). Ethylene glycol is itself relatively nontoxic. However, it is metabolized (changed) in the body by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase into glycolic acid, glyoxylic acid and oxalic acid, which are highly toxic compounds.

Can antifreeze be detected in an autopsy?

An autopsy determined that the victim's kidneys contained a substance suspected to be ethylene glycol, a chemical found in antifreeze. If taken in small doses, ethylene glycol will crystallize in the kidneys and eventually kill a person, police said in court records.

What does car coolant taste like?

The active ingredient in antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste. Ethylene glycol tastes like sugar mixed with salt and vinegar. The best way is to minimize the risk of accidental ingestion is to keep antifreeze in its original container, and ensure that it's tightly sealed.

What are the ingredients in antifreeze?

It's also known as engine coolant. Although water-based, antifreeze also contains liquid alcohols like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and methanol. Propylene glycol is also an ingredient in some foods and cosmetics.

What color is the antifreeze?

Most people think of antifreeze or coolant as green. For years many antifreeze/coolants were green in color but now many coolants come in a variety of colors. Antifreeze or coolant can be yellow, pink or red, blue, and green.

Does antifreeze have a smell?

Antifreeze has a very distinct sort of smell: it's hard to describe, but you'll know it when you smell it. There are a couple of reasons that you might be able to smell antifreeze inside your vehicle. ... If the heater core of your vehicle is leaking antifreeze, that can cause a fairly intense smell inside your car.

What do I do if my dog licked antifreeze?

If you notice your dog consuming antifreeze or displaying any of the following signs or symptoms of antifreeze poisoning, contact your vet immediately, or contact your closest emergency vet for prompt treatment.

Is all pink antifreeze the same?

Vehicle fluids vary in colour from bright pink to reddish-brown, so if you ever need help identifying which is which, take a look at our car fluid finder chart. ... “Older coolants that used Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) were usually blue or green in colour.

Do dogs like antifreeze?

Dogs and cats find antifreeze quite tasty and if they find antifreeze they'll drink it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic causing kidney failure that is often fatal in just a few days. Very small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal.

How do I know which antifreeze to use?

To make sure you're choosing the right HOAT coolant, look at the brand name, rather than the liquid's color. The HOAT formulation is a combination of the OAT formulation and the IAT formulation. HOAT uses both silicates and organic acid to protect your engine and combat corrosion.

How do I know what kind of antifreeze I have?

How to Check a Vehicle's Coolant/Antifreeze

1. Rather than open the cap on the radiator, just check to see whether the liquid reaches the “Full” line on the side of the coolant reservoir shown here. ...
2. Coolant is usually red, green, blue, or yellow.

How do you know if its propylene or ethylene glycol?

A. Yes it is possible to differentiate between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol using both refractive index and specific gravity. The key to differentiate the two is to use the physical differences with regard to specific gravity and refractive index.