%0 Journal Article %T Bittering agents: their potential application in reducing ingestions of engine coolants and windshield wash %J Veterinary and human toxicology %D 1995 %A Jackson, M. H. %A Payne, H. A. %V 37 %N 4 %P 323-326 %X Ethylene glycol automobile engine coolants and methanol-based windshield washer liquids are toxic. Despite international attempts to improve the safety of these products through better labelling and packaging, accidental and intentional ingestions continue a source of poisonings worldwide. The rejection of bitter tasting substances forms part of the human defense against ingestion of harmful substances. Denatonium benzoate (DB) is currently recognised as a means to prevent ingestion of ethyl alcohol intended for industrial use. This study investigated the use of this bitter substance also as a deterrent against ingesting ethylene glycol and methanol. The palatability of ethylene glycol and methanol with and without the addition of DB was assessed using a human taste panel; 30 ppm DB rendered each product intolerable to the panel. The addition of DB to ethylene glycol engine coolants and methanol-based windshield washer liquids at low concentrations could afford protection against accidental ingestions.

Language: en

%G en %I American College of Veterinary Toxicologists %@ 0145-6296 %U http://dx.doi.org/