Lead Free- AB1953
The straight story on reducing lead content.
At T&S Brass, we've always led the way in innovation, quality manufacturing and customer service. Our commitment to excellence established our reputation as the single source solution for every plumbing application and it's a name our customers have come to trust.
Part of our commitment to excellence is our guarantee that each of our products meets or surpasses the codes and standards mandated by state and federal legislation. T&S strives to understand new requirements and develop products that meet those standards within the industry.
No matter which T&S product you choose, you'll enjoy our precise metal blend designed to preserve water purity. T&S products have always excelled at meeting strict federal low lead standards. And as you would expect, T&S is always ready with innovative products that meet or surpass new legislation, such as the California Assembly Bill 1953 (AB1953).
What is AB1953?
California Assembly Bill 1953 (AB1953) was signed into law in September of 2006. This new legislation requires a reduction in the lead content of products to a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25% in pipes, fixtures and fittings.
Specifically, the Lead Reduction law in California states:
No person shall introduce into commerce, for use in California, any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting, or fixture intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking water or cooking that is not lead free.* This includes kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, and any other end-use devices intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking.
*PLEASE NOTE: Use of the term 'lead free' varies between the new legislation in CA and VT, and in the current Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. In the new legislation for CA and VT only, starting in 2010, it will mean 0.25% or less (weighted average).
Only plumbing products and piping used to convey drinking water that meet this criteria can be sold in California after January 1, 2010.
T&S: Products you can trust.
T&S plumbing fixture fittings have always conformed to National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards for low lead. Products that pass these regulations already convey or dispense water featuring extremely low (trace) lead levels, more than safe enough for anyone to drink or cook with.
California is leading the nation by going one step farther through lowering lead content in the pipes, fixtures and fittings themselves. This extra step means that products that conform to AB1953 will continue to excel at water purity standards, but will also feature lower levels of lead in the composition of the parts themselves. The state of Vermont has similar legislation also effective January 1, 2010. Other states are likely to follow pursuit.
Plumbing fixture fittings that meet AB1953 regulations perform at high levels on both lead leeching tests and amount of lead weight in the product itself.
Will T&S and equip products meet the AB1953 regulations?
Since T&S products have always excelled at nationwide federal requirements, you can always count on our products for conveying and dispensing extremely pure water. Our standard line will continue to meet or surpass clean water standards around the country.
However, to meet the need for AB1953-compliant products, T&S has developed a new line of "CA" fixture fittings. As with all of our other products, "CA" models will deliver the quality and performance you've come to expect from T&S. The "CA" line will be available until January 1, 2010; from that date on, all T&S and equip products will comply with the new regulations.
The new "CA" models are available for 24-hour processing under the T&S Quick Ship program. We can also modify them for you using other "CA" items. This limited line is designed for those interested in purchasing AB1953 compliant models in advance of the January 2010 effective date.
To ensure that these new products meet our exacting standards, we put the "CA" line through a series of vigorous testing studies. To the credit of our engineers and employees, the "CA" line has shown no difference in either strength or finish.
At T&S Brass, we are pleased to take a leading role in innovating and developing AB1953-compliant fixture fittings. As 2010 approaches, continue to look to T&S for news and products related to AB1953. Contact your sales representative or T&S customer service for more information. And enjoy the confidence that comes with reliability built in.
