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U.S. PIRG Consumer Blog
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November 17, 2005
Antifreeze makers seek protection from liability
Continuing our theme of companies seeking to avoid responsibility: today, despite efforts led by champion Barbara Boxer (D-CA), the Senate Commerce Committee approved S 1110, the Engine Coolant and Antifreeze Bittering Agent Act (Allen-R-VA; Pryor-D-AR). The bill broadly immunizes antifreeze makers from liability for any consumer or environmental harms caused by inclusion of a so-called bittering agent designed to make the antifreeze unpalatable for children or pets. Excerpt from a PIRG/consumer group letter opposing the bill:
While this bill seems to be a well-intentioned proposal to reduce the incidence of poisonings of children and pets that may ingest antifreeze – a goal we support – this bill would waive all forms
of liability for the industries involved in producing and selling antifreeze and coolants that contain the bittering agent denatonium benzoate (“DB�) even if the use of this agent causes groundwater contamination, personal injury, property damage, or even death. This
unprecedented liability waiver would apply even if children or pets are injured or killed by the DB additive, jeopardizing the very people and animals the bill purports to protect. Congress should not provide such sweeping liability waivers for a chemical such as DB that may not readily biodegrade, for which there is little human health data, and which could end up in drinking water supplies.
Posted by Ed Mierzwinski at November 17, 2005 05:49 PM
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