Sep 9, 2008

Getting the Lead Out

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has joined with Firestone Complete Auto Care and Firestone Racing to improve the environment by eliminating the use of lead wheel weights. The EPA launched its new National Lead-Free Wheel Weight Initiative at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.

Wheel weights are applied onto the wheels of vehicles when tires are installed to help the wheels balance properly and run smoothly. Risks to the environment may occur if the weights fall off and get thrown onto the edges of roadways, possibly contaminating soil or water. Lead in large doses can cause dementia or even death.

“The Environmental Protection Agency is proud to announce this important initiative and recognize the contribution of our partners,” said Susan Parker Bodine, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “By taking part in the National Lead-Free Wheel Weight Initiative, EPA’s partners are helping protect public health and the environment by phasing out the sale and installation of lead wheel weights and educating the public about the benefits of alternatives.”

All of Bridgestone-Firestone’s approximately 2,000 automotive service store locations are switching to using more ecologically sensitive, nontoxic steel weights, replacing millions of lead wheel weights each year. In June 2008, Firestone Racing began using a non-lead product, the 3M Wheel Weight System, for all Indy Racing League IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights events.