(Washington, DC) - In an effort to prevent 1,400 children and 10,000 to 90,000 household pets from accidentally and unknowingly ingesting antifreeze each year, U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Queens/L.I.) today introduced legislation that requires antifreeze to contain a bittering agent in order to make the substance unpalatable. The measure would also combat the recent wave of “Death by Antifreeze” crimes in which individuals and pets were murdered when their food and drinks were spiked with antifreeze. 
 
Puddles of antifreeze in driveways, along curbs and in parking lots may seem harmless, but they pose a real danger to children and pets. A mere sip or lick of antifreeze can result in agonizing kidney failure, respiratory arrest, comas, and death. Children playing outdoors come into contact with these puddles then place their hands or toys in their mouths, and animals are too eager to lap up these sweet-tasting puddles. Curious children also find the bright colored, sweet tasting substance in garages and mistake it for juice-drinks and other safe beverages, while dogs have been known to chew the necks of antifreeze containers.  In addition, several trials are taking place across the nation, in which defendants are accused of killing their spouse by lacing their drink with antifreeze.

The legislation, entitled the Antifreeze Bittering Act, would require denatonium benzoate—the world’s most bitter substance—to be added to antifreeze sold in quantities of 55 gallons or less. The process would cost no more than three cents per gallon. 

“We’ve found a smart and simple solution to a serious and widespread problem” said Ackerman. “We can avoid future tragedies by adding a bittering substance to antifreeze, which would ensure that a toxic dose of the chemical could never be ingested due to the extremely bitter taste antifreeze would have. No family should have to lose a loved one or pet to antifreeze poisoning when we have a simple solution staring us in the face.”

To illustrate the problem of accidentally and unknowingly ingesting antifreeze, Ackerman, at a hearing before an Energy and Commerce Subcommittee regarding the Antifreeze bill, placed six cups with identical looking liquids on the witness table while he testified. One of the cups contained antifreeze while the other five were filled with fruit juices and soft drinks. Ackerman challenged each member of the committee to pick up a safe cup to drink. None took him up on his offer.

The Antifreeze legislation is endorsed by the antifreeze industry including the Consumer Specialty Products Association (who represents the antifreeze business) and Honeywell, the leading manufacturer of antifreeze.

The measure is also supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Doris Day Animal League, the Humane Society of the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association, Pfizer Animal Health, the Society for Animal Protective Legislation, the Pet Food Institute, Citizens Campaign for the Environment and the Long Island Pine Barrens Society.

In addition, Oregon, California and New Mexico have already adopted their own laws requiring the addition of a bittering substance to antifreeze, and twelve other states—Alabama, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington—have legislation pending. Further, the U.S. Conference of Mayors passed a resolution urging Congress to “help cities protect children and animals” by passing the Antifreeze Bittering Act.

Ackerman’s antifreeze legislation was passed during the last session of Congress (in July 2006) by the House Energy and Commerce Committee as well as the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the respective panels with jurisdiction over the bill. However, it was never brought-up for a vote on the floor of either chamber.

Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a deadly toxin. Antifreeze is a product that is used to prevent freezing as well as overheating in motor vehicles. Spills occur when vehicles leak the substance, overheat or when the chemical is changed or replaced.
  

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