SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6611

                    As of January 27, 2000

Title:  An act relating to the sale of antifreeze.

Brief Description:  Regulating the sale of certain antifreeze products.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environmental Quality & Water Resources:  2/1/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786-7461)

Background:  The active ingredient found in commercial antifreeze-coolant is ethylene glycol.  Ethylene glycol is a clear odorless liquid with a sweet taste that attracts children and animals.  Ethylene glycol is very toxic and can cause death to children and pets when ingested in amounts as little as two ounces.

There are about 3,400 ethylene glycol poisonings per year nationwide, with about 20 percent  involving children under age six.

Summary of Bill:  Ethylene glycol must be phased-out of antifreeze products over a period of four years.

The Department of Health is authorized to forbid the sale of, and order the removal of, products that exceed the statutory limits placed on ethylene glycol in antifreeze.  The department may adopt rules to enforce the act.  Violation of the act or department's rules is a misdemeanor.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 26, 2000.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.