FACTS
™ Fit Testing with Bitrex™
SAFETY INFO BY FAX
Testing Agents
When fit testing respirators, a variety of testing agents
can be used and are acceptable to the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fit testing
policies. The most common types are isoamyl acetate
(commonly referred to as banana oil because of its
fruit-like aroma), saccharin (a sweet-tasting agent)
and stannic chloride (otherwise known as irritant
smoke). A new fit testing agent that has been intro-
duced is Denatonium Benzoate (also known as
Bitrex™). Bitrex leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth
of fit test subjects whose masks do not fit properly.
All of these agents can be used for qualitative fit test-
ing for negative-pressure respirators. The qualitative
method is the most widely used method for respirator
fit testing. This method is acceptable to OSHA stan-
dards (29 CFR 1910.134) and can be performed with
minimal training and expense.
Problems with Irritant Smoke
Irritant smoke (or stannic chloride, chemical formula:
SnCl4; CAS #7646-78-8) gives off hydrogen chloride
and tin fumes, which can be toxic. When used during
fit testing, the stannic chloride reacts with humidity
producing a white smoke with a pungent odor. This
smoke contains two compounds: hydrogen chloride
(HCL) and tin (Sn). Hydrogen chloride is highly corro-
sive to human tissue. Inhalation of a relatively low
concentration will cause irritation to the upper respi-
ratory tract and eyes. This is why it’s such an effective
chemical to use for respiratory fit testing. When
exposed to higher concentrations for a short duration,
inhalation of the hydrogen chloride may cause cough-
ing fits, chest pains, sneezing and choking. Both OSHA
and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) have established Time Weighted
Averages (TWA) of 5 parts per million (ppm) for
hydrogen chloride. NIOSH has also published an
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)
level of 100 ppm for hydrogen chloride.
The second product produced by the reaction of stan-
nic chloride and humidity is tin. Normally tin is con-
sidered a relatively safe substance. In fact, one of the
most important uses of tin is in the food and beverage
canning industries. However, when tin reacts with
strong acids, such as hydrogen chloride, it becomes
an acidic compound. This compound also causes irri-
tation to the upper respiratory tract. Prolonged expo-
sure to tin fumes is known to produce benign pneu-
moconiosis.
[Sensidyne, one manufacturer of irritant smoke tubes,
no longer recommends its product (smoke tube model
FACTS SAFETY INFO BY FAX 1-800-393-2287
™
Visit our web site at http://www.labsafety.com SAFETY INFO BY FAX
Document Number: 142
Page: 1 of 2
#501) for respirator fit testing. If you are using irritant
smoke tubes for fit testing, you should discontinue
immediately. Sensidyne is trying to find a suitable
substitute, but so far has been unsuccessful.]
Problems with Saccharin & Banana
Oil
Though not harmful, saccharin has a sweet taste that
may not cause a strong reaction in some fit test sub-
jects. Since the taste is a pleasant one, some subjects
may not notice or acknowledge it. Others may not
taste it at all.
A similar problem occurs when banana oil is used—it
has a pleasant, fruit-like aroma. The other drawback
of banana oil is that it can only be used with organic
vapor cartridges, whereas the other testing agents are
for use with filters.
A New Solution: Bitrex
Bitrex (chemical formula: C28H34N2O3; CAS #3734-33-
6) is a product that’s designed for human exposure.
Bitrex is a trademarked material originally used to
denature alcohol. It has also been added to household
chemicals and automotive products to prevent acci-
dental poisoning. Bitrex has a very intense bitter
taste—one of the most bitter ever produced. OSHA and
NIOSH do not yet have TWA information for Bitrex.
On March 6, 1996, Bitrex was accepted by OSHA for
respirator fit testing for an interim period due to the
concerns with irritant smoke and saccharin agents.
This acceptance was based upon a study performed
by H. E. Mullins, S. C. Danisch and A. R. Johnston enti-
tled Development of New Qualitative Test for Fit Testing
Respirators published by the AIHA Journal (November
1995, Vol. 56).
The procedures for the qualitative Bitrex testing are
relatively easy. There are basically two tests to per-
form: the sensitivity test and the fit test.
The sensitivity test is done first to verify that the per-
son being fit tested can detect the taste of the Bitrex
solution at a diluted concentration. Following is a
brief description of those procedures:
1. Have the person put on the test hood without a
respirator.
2. Position the hood forward so that there is a six-inch
gap between the person’s face and the window.
3. Instruct the person to breathe through his/her
mouth.
4. Using a nebulizer containing the sensitivity solu-
tion, inject the aerosol into the hood. Inject ten
©1998 Lab Safety Supply Inc.

FACTS
™
SAFETY INFO BY FAX
squeezes of the bulb, fully collapsing and allowing
the bulb to expand fully on each squeeze.
5. Ask the person if he/she can taste the sensitivity
solution.
6. If the person does not taste the sensitivity solu-
tion, inject an additional ten squeezes of the
aerosol into the hood. Repeat again if needed. Do
not exceed a total of thirty squeezes during the
test. If thirty squeezes are inadequate, end the test
and use a different type of fit test method.
7. Remove the hood and give the subject a few min-
utes to clear the taste from his/her mouth.
Once the individual passes the sensitivity test, the
actual fit test can be conducted. These are the basic
steps that need to be followed:
1) Have the person put on the test hood with a
respirator.
2) Position the hood forward so that there is a six-inch
gap between the person’s face and the window.
3) Using the nebulizer filled with the test solution,
inject the aerosol into the hood using the same
number of squeezes required during the sensitivi-
ty test (see step 6 above).
4) Instruct the person to tell you if they can taste the
Bitrex at any time during the test.
5) To maintain an adequate concentration of the
Bitrex aerosols during the test, inject one-half of
the number of squeezes used in step 3 every thir-
ty seconds.
6) After the initial aerosol is injected, instruct the
person to perform the following exercises for 60
seconds each.
• Normal breathing
• Deep breathing
• Turning head from side to side
• Nodding the head up and down
• Talking, recite the alphabet or read a pas-
sage out loud (i.e. rainbow passage)
• Normal breathing
7) If the entire test is completed without the person
detecting the bitter taste of the Bitrex aerosol, the
test is successful.
8) If the person does detect the taste of Bitrex, ter-
minate the test. Wait fifteen minutes and perform
the test over starting with the sensitivity test.
The person administering the qualitative fit test does
not have to be certified by an organization or OSHA in
order to conduct fit testing. However, he/she should be
qualified by the employer so he/she is able to adminis-
ter the test, prepare the solutions, calibrate equipment
and perform the test properly. The employer needs to
certify at the conclusion of the test that the employee
FACTS SAFETY INFO BY FAX 1-800-393-2287
™
Visit our web site at http://www.labsafety.com SAFETY INFO BY FAX
Fit Testing with Bitrex™
Document Number: 142
Page: 2 of 2
has successfully completed the fit test. The following
items need to be on the certification form: name of
employee; type of respirator (model and size); date of
test; and signature of the tester and test subject.
Conclusion
Bitrex is a safer and more reliable fit testing agent
than saccharin and irritant smoke. A fit test subject
may easily avoid acknowledging a poor fit because
saccharin has a sweet taste or he/she may not be able
to taste it. Irritant smoke will cause the fit test subject
to cough, making a poor fit evident, but the hydrochlo-
ric acid mist from the stannic chloride is also a toxin.
On the other hand, because of the bitter taste it leaves
in the mouth, Bitrex causes an unavoidable response
in the test subject, yet it is not toxic. It is also an
acceptable method for fit testing the new N, R, and P
filters which meet 42 CFR Part 84 criteria for particu-
late filtration.
Sources for More Information
Allegro Qualitative Fit Test Kit. Part No. 2041. Allegro
Ind. Inc., 1996.
Bitrex: Material Safety Data Sheet, Allegro Ind. Inc., 1996.
Department of Labor, Memorandum for Regional
Administrators, Respiratory Fit Testing and Fit Checking
Procedures, Washington, D.C., 1996.
Sittig, Marshall, Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous
Chemicals and Carcinogens, New Jersey: Noyes
Publications, 1991.
Budavari, Susan, The Merck Index, New Jersey: Mereck
& Co., Inc., 1989.
Ash, Michael and Irene, Gardner’s Chemical Synonyms and
Trade Names, Vermont: Gower Publishing Ltd., 1994.
FREE Technical Support
When you have a question, you can rely on
our team of technical experts. They’ll answer
your questions about product specifications,
chemical compatibility, regulatory issues, and
general worker safety and health.
Call our Safety TechLine™ Technical Support toll-free:
1-800-356-2501
6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday
Please note: The information contained in this publication is intended for
general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for
review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should
not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions
should refer to the cited regulation(s), or consult with an attorney.
©1998 Lab Safety Supply Inc.