BIT in water and air: safety profile

What is bit?

The IUPAC name is 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one.

Also known as: 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, benzoisothiazole, Biobor JF.

IUPAC name

1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one

CAS number

2634-33-5

Molecular formula

C7H6NS

Molecular weight

135.2 g/mol

SMILES

C1=CC=C(C(=C1)C(=O)O)NC2=CC=CC=C2C(=O)O

PubChem CID

11371

Regulatory consensus

2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified BIT. The classifications differ — that's the data.

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where you encounter bit

• industrial water systems
• metalworking fluids
• cooling water
• paints
• coatings

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to BIT:

• Physical preservation methods (UV treatment, filtration, controlled atmosphere)
  Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×
• Naturally-derived antimicrobials (essential oil components at validated concentrations)
  Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
  Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
• Hurdle technology combining multiple mild preservation methods
  Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×

Frequently asked questions