T&S Brass U.S. Facility Converts to Eco Brass
By Jaclyn Deter
Travelers Rest, S.C.—April 8, 2009—T&S Brass, a leading manufacturer of plumbing and foodservice equipment, announces that its U.S. facility has converted all of their wrought components to Eco Brass (lead-free) alloys. Effective January 1, 2010, products manufactured from its U.S. facility will meet new lead reduction legislation set forth by California Assembly Bill 1953 (AB1953).
“As of January 1, 2010, California and Vermont will require all fixtures and fittings that are introduced into commerce to meet the new lead reduction legislation,” states Eva-Marie Fox, vice president of marketing. “By 2010, most T&S products, from spray valves to medical and lavatory faucets, will comply with this law and will have a weighted average lead content of no more than 0.25%.”
By converting to the Eco Brass alloy, all new models manufactured will provide low-lead health benefits to the consumer and will deliver the same quality and performance as other T&S products. To ensure that the new products meet T&S' exacting standards, the line has been through vigorous testing and has shown no difference in strength or finish.
Prior to January 1, 2010, T&S Brass will offer a limited line of “CA” designated models that have been independently verified and certified by CSA International to fully comply with the requirements of California Health & Safety Code 116875 (AB1953-2006). A variety of fixture fittings, including pre-rinse units, spray valves, and metering and medical faucets are available now and qualify for 24-hour processing under the T&S Quick Ship program.
Informational materials on AB1953 — lead free brochure, frequently asked questions, legislation guide — are available on the T&S Brass Web site at www.tsbrass.com.
About AB1953: California Assembly Bill 1953 (AB1953) was signed into law in September 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. All products introduced into California commerce after January 1, 2010 must meet the criteria outlined by the new state plumbing requirement. In addition, Vermont has signed the S152 bill that is similar in intent and also goes into effect on January 1, 2010.