NORTHBROOK, Ill.  – Underwriters Laboratories has announced a new certification program to help manufacturers of cooking and plumbing related products demonstrate compliance with new, stricter low lead requirements that will be mandatory in California and Vermont starting Jan. 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 percent 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 percent 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 is giving manufacturers their first option of demonstrating compliance with new low lead laws using a means other than Annex G. We decided not to wait for Annex G to be updated or the creation of a new standard to offer our valued customers California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)-recognized product validation,” said Jeff Smith, general manager, UL Global Water Business. “Now, manufacturers can quickly and efficiently navigate the compliance processes recognized by the DTSC and required by state law.”

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. The bill can be viewed in its entirety at www.leginfo.ca.gov.