Bitrex aims to make lead paint less risky

Johnson Matthey's Bitrex is a safety product that aims to protect children from accidentally ingesting hazardous paint chips.

As "the bitterest substance known to man," Bitrex can be added to household, autocare or home and garden products to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion.

Now, Johnson Matthey is including Bitrex in patented lead-based paint treatments from Ecobond LLC. The new Lead Defender formula works to actively seal and treat lead dust and lead in paint, and the taste discourages children from consuming the paint chips.

"We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Ecobond in bringing such an important product to the market," said Gina Mercier, Bitrex Business Manager at Johnson Matthey. "It's a great example of how two innovative companies with child safety as a core value can collaborate to deliver a solution to the market that will help make homes across the USA safer."

Ecobond Lead Defender is made for residential or professional use with patented lead treatment reagents, paint penetrators, softeners and professional-grade quality latex paint to penetrate, bond, seal and treat existing lead paint applications and control the spread of airborne lead.

"We are passionate about restoring our environment and protecting people from the hazards of lead with our patented lead paint removal treatment technology," stated James Barthel, president and creator of Ecobond. "We are excited to work with Bitrex as this adds yet another layer of protection that we provide to our customers," continued Barthel.