Preamble

WHEREAS Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol is a major cause of poisoning deaths in domestic companion animals and livestock, a poison to humans and an environmental toxin;

WHEREAS Two ounces of ethylene glycol antifreeze can kill a dog, one teaspoon can kill a cat and two tablespoons can be hazardous to children;

WHEREAS in BC there is no mandated safe disposal required for antifreeze;

WHEREAS most poisonings of companion animals are inadvertent, and could be easily avoided;

WHEREAS there is a safe, economical and readily available alternative in the form of propylene glycol-based antifreeze;

THEREFORE, HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:

Sale Prohibited

1  A person must not sell antifreeze containing ethylene glycol in the Province of British Columbia.

Safe Disposal Required

2  The Hazardous Waste Regulation is amended to include ethylene glycol based antifreeze.

Commencement

3  Section 1 comes into force by regulation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

4  Section 2 comes into force on the date of Royal Assent.

 
Explanatory Notes

This Bill will control the sale of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze.