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BIS Bans Epichlorohydrin in Tea Bags
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduces stringent standards for tea bags and bans the use of potentially harmful chemicals such as epichlorohydrin. The update brings epichlorohydrin, and BIS’s institutional features, into focus for standards and consumer safety-related current affairs.
BIS Standards Update:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical class | Epichlorohydrin is a chlorinated epoxide characterized by the substitution of a methyl hydrogen atom with chlorine. |
| Physical properties | Epichlorohydrin is a clear, colorless, volatile, and highly flammable liquid, and has a strong, chloroform-like odor. |
| Chemical grouping | Epichlorohydrin belongs to the class of chlorinated cyclic ethers. |
| Decomposition | When exposed to high temperatures and decomposes, epichlorohydrin releases toxic fumes, including hydrochloric acid and other chlorinated substances. |
| Solubility | Epichlorohydrin is soluble in water. |
| Applications | Epichlorohydrin comprises applications in production of glycerol and unmodified epoxy resins; manufacturing of elastomers, water-treatment resins, surfactants, ion-exchange resins, plasticizers, dyes, pharmaceutical products, oil emulsifiers, lubricants, and adhesives. |
| Health effects | Epichlorohydrin comprises health effects: irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system; development of chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema; potential damage to the kidneys, leading to renal lesions. |
| BIS (status) | BIS is India’s national standards body. |
| BIS (legal basis) | BIS is established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. |
| BIS (objective) | BIS provides for promoting the systematic development of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods, along with related activities. |
| BIS (administrative control) | BIS operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. |
| BIS (institutional succession) | BIS succeeds the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), which is established in 1947. |
| BIS (international representation) | BIS authorises India’s representation in international standard-setting organizations, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). |
| Headquarter | BIS headquarters is New Delhi. |