Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)
بنزأيزوثيازولينون (BIT)
Isothiazolinone preservative
The verdict
Effective preservative but a skin sensitiser — a known trigger for the isothiazolinone-allergic.
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
Halal status: halal
Inorganic/synthetic biocide; no animal-derived or alcohol concern (surface use).
Also known as
BIT · 1 · 2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one · Proxel
Primary source
Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.
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