A chemical indicator composition comprising a bismuth (III) compound selected from the group consisting of bismuth (III) oxide and a bismuth (III) compound comprising at least one organic group which includes 2 to 20 carbon atoms elemental sulfur and a compound which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature a chemical indicator composition comprising a bismuth (III) compound elemental sulfur a compound which makes the composition alkaline when exposed to water vapor at an elevated temperature and at least one acid other than any acid present in the bismuth (III) compound a chemical indicator comprising a substrate and the composition coated on at least a portion of a major surface of the substrate methods of making the chemical indicator and methods of using the chemical indicator are disclosed.
