The California Environmental Protection Agency's Department of Toxic Substances Control has released the findings of its "wheel weight assessment."
According to Hennessy Industries, makers of Bada brand steel wheel weights, the study was "conducted to measure the environmental impacts of lead alternatives in the wake of a law passed in the 2009 California legislature that bans the sale, installation and import of lead wheel weights in the state.
“The life-cycle study, which measured impacts associated with lead, steel and zinc wheel weights, sought to identify ‘regrettable substitutions or burden-shifting as a result of the lead wheel weight ban,’” the company said.
“As an increasing number of states take a look at this issue and take action to ban lead weights, reports like this one will play an important role in helping states make wise decisions about alternatives to lead,” said Kevin Keefe, marketing director for Hennessy.
“Hennessy’s position has always been that if a state bans lead, it shouldn’t replace it with an alternative like zinc that also presents environmental concerns. It is becoming increasingly clear that steel is the best alternative, and the California study presents solid evidence on why that is the case.”
To view the full report,
click here.