US Environmental Group Attacks Car, Weight Makers

(Akron/Tire Review) The Center for Environmental Health filed suit to end the sale of lead-based wheel weights in California. Citing the state’s safe drinking water law, the group claims wheel weights that come off of vehicles threaten to pollute waterways. Specifically notified, according to the group, were Chrysler and several makers of lead-based wheel weights.

“Lead from wheel weights poses a threat to safe, clean drinking water in California,” said Caroline Cox, research director for the Center for Environmental Health. “Since affordable, effective alternatives exist, there is no excuse for the continued use of lead that can end up as a water hazard to people and the environment.”

“Many automakers have eliminated or are phasing-out the use of lead wheel weights, but most tyres in the US are still balanced with toxic lead,” said Jeff Gearhart, campaign director of the Ecology Center Clean Car Campaign. “In Europe and Asia, lead wheel weights have been replaced to protect people and the environment from unnecessary lead exposures. There’s no reason we should have lesser standards for protecting Americans from lead pollution.”

In 2005, the Ecology Center petitioned EPA, calling for a federal ban on lead wheel weights. That petition was rejected last year for lack of supporting documentation.

In addition to Chrysler, the CEH sent “legal notices” to Hennessy Industries, Perfect Equipment Inc., and Plombco. The Center did state that all three companies currently produce and sell lead-free wheel weights.