Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the Antifreeze Bittering Act (H.R. 2567). The bill, spearheaded by Representatives Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Dana Rohrbacher (R-CA) and Heather Wilson (R-NM), will require antifreeze and coolant manufacturers to add the intensely bitter denatonium benzoate to their products.

Each year, an estimated 1,400 children and 10,000 animals are poisoned after ingesting ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance found in antifreeze and automobile coolants. The sweet smell and taste of ethylene glycol make the substance attractive but deadly. By adding the bitter agent denatonium benzoate to antifreeze and coolants, manufacturers can discourage children and animals from drinking these products.

The Doris Day Animal Foundation has led the effort to pass a bill to add a bittering agent to antifreeze, and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has lent its support. Antifreeze poisoning is a horrible way to die, for animals or people, says Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of HSUS. Adding a bittering agent to antifreeze is the simplest, least expensive way to diminish the likelihood of inadvertent antifreeze poisoning.

Senators George Allen (R-VA) and Mark Pryor (D-AR) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate. S. 1110 was approved by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Trade and Transportation last November.

Posted: July 21, 2006, 5 a.m. EST