Bill would require antifreeze sold in Georgia have a bitter additive to mask the sweet to taste and prevent ingestion. (photo courtesy of USDA)
More than 240 Georgians were poisoned in 2008 by ingesting antifreeze, says the bill’s sponsor Republican Representative Tommy Benton, and it doesn't take much of the lethal substance to do harm.
“If a child’s toy runs through antifreeze and the child puts it in his mouth," says Benton, "that could be enough to poison that child.”
Benton’s legislation would require that antifreeze sold in Georgia have a bitter substance added to mask the sweet taste.
The additive is the same chemical used in products that deter thumb-sucking in children.
Ten other states have already passed such laws. Benton says it would not only protect kids, but pets too. Nationwide, some 10,000 cats and dogs are poisoned each year.
If the bill passes the senate, the law would take effect in July 2011.
