EPA, BFS to begin lead wheel weight phaseout in US

Detroit, Michigan -- Officials of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Bridgestone/Firestone will team up with IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter-Reay to announce the National Lead-Free Wheel Weight Initiative.

The official announcement, to be made Aug. 29 at the Detroit Grand Prix, will recognise the efforts of tyre and auto makers and government agencies that have pledged to significantly reduce their use of lead wheel weights by the end of 2011.

News of the voluntary EPA-industry program follows closely on the announcement of a settlement between the Center for Environmental Health, Chrysler L.L.C., and wheel weight makers Perfect Equipment Inc., Hennessy Industries and Plombco Inc. Chrysler and the wheel weight makers have agreed to stop selling or distributing lead wheel weights in California by the end of 2009, thus settling a legal action brought by the CEH.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)