How come we don't put Denatonium into all of our toxic household products?

[wiegie]

My wife just pointed out to me the other day that she is buying cleaning products that contain a chemical additive called "denatonium" (under the trade name "Bitrex"). The denatonium is added to the products because it is the most bitter compound ever developed and it is intended to help prevent the poisoning of children who might accidentally ingest toxic products. My question is, how come the use of denatonium isn't that common in America? (Or is it, and I just am ignorant of the fact? (I read on wikipedia that Oregon requires it to be added to anti-freeze, but other than that, I haven't heard of it before.))

 

(And yes, I realize that parents are responsible for maintaining the children's safety, but putting this additive into products just seems like a good idea to me.)

[Randall]

Makes sense to me too.

 

It deters animals. Up here deer everyone's flowers to the roots. May help there. Oregon does some things other states don't, but some make a lot of sense.

Edited March 18, 2008 by Randall