¯

Epichlorohydrin

June 11, 2026

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has implemented strict standards for tea bags, prohibiting harmful chemicals like epichlorohydrin.

About Epichlorohydrin:

  • It is an epoxide in which one of the methyl hydrogens is substituted by chlorine.
  • Properties:
    • It is a volatile and flammable, clear, colorless, liquid, chlorinated cyclic ether with an irritating, chloroform-like odor.
    • It emits toxic fumes of hydrochloric acid and other chlorinated compounds when heated to decomposition.
    • It is soluble in water.
  • Applications:
    • It is used mainly for the manufacture of glycerol and unmodified epoxy resins.
    • It is used in the manufacture of elastomers, water treatment resins, surfactants, ion exchange resins, plasticizers, dyestuffs, pharmaceutical products, oil emulsifiers, lubricants and adhesives
  • Impact on Health: Exposure to epichlorohydrin irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and can cause chemical pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and renal lesions.

Key Facts about Bureau of Indian Standards

  • It is the national standard body of India established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016.
  • Objective: It was established for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
    • It is the successor of the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), which was created in 1947.
  • BIS represents India in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
  • Nodal Ministry: It is functioning under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
  • Headquarter: It is headquartered in New Delhi and maintains regional and branch offices throughout the country.

Latest Current Affairs

See All

Enquire Now