Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)
بنزأيزوثيازولينون (BIT)
Isothiazolinone preservative · CAS: 2634-33-5
Effective preservative but a skin sensitiser - a known trigger for the isothiazolinone-allergic.
Why this verdict
GHS-hazardous (corrosive/sensitiser) but a legitimate builder/preservative - flagged.
What It Is
A preservative (BIT) used to stop microbes growing in water-based cleaners, detergents and paints.
The preservative that often replaced MIT/CMIT - and is now itself a rising cause of contact allergy. Effective at low levels, but it's a skin sensitiser, and someone reacting to one isothiazolinone often reacts to this family as a whole. Fine for most; a known trigger for the isothiazolinone-allergic.
Evidence & Status
IARC Carcinogen Group
Not classified
EU Status
CLP-classified (H302, H315, H317 (skin sensitiser), H318, H400); signal word Danger.
US · FDA Status
EPA/CIR-reviewed where applicable
Cleaning & Hazard
Hazard signal
Danger
Hazard codes (GHS)
H302, H315, H317 (skin sensitiser), H318, H400
Environmental note
Very toxic to aquatic life (H400) - surfaced as a fact.
Halal Status: Halal
Inorganic/synthetic biocide; no animal-derived or alcohol concern (surface use).
Worth Knowing
Also Known As
BIT · 1 · 2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one · Proxel
Primary Source
Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.
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