UL launches new lead-free certification program
January 22nd, 2010Underwriters Laboratories, a global leader in drinking water quality and safety, announced a new certification program to help manufacturers of cooking and plumbing related products demonstrate compliance with new, stricter low lead requirements that became mandatory in California and Vermont January 1, 2010.
California Assembly Bill 1953 (AB 1953), now a state law, was passed in order to update section 116875 of the California Health & Safety Code. The law requires no more than 0.2% lead by weight in solder and flux used in the installation or repair of any public water system or any residential or nonresidential facility that provides water for human consumption. AB 1953 also requires no more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead by weight when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures.
UL’s new certification program will test materials to demonstrate compliance to both the California Health and Safety Code and similar legislation in Vermont. It will allow manufacturers that are required to demonstrate compliance with the California Health and Safety Code, but are not covered by or specifically included in Annex G of ANSI/NSF 61, to obtain the proper product safety certification.
UL will continue to support the industry by providing certification to Annex G of ANSI/NSF 61 as announced in April 2009 in addition to the new service offering. For more information on UL’s testing and analytical services for the water industry, visit www.ul.com/water .