What is the AB1953 Lead Reduction Law?
California Assembly Bill 1953 (AB1953) was signed into law September, 2006. This legislation requires lead reduction in products to a weighted average of no 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.
Only plumbing products and piping used to convey drinking water that meet this criteria can be sold in California after January 1, 2010.
AB1953 does not replace NSF Standard 61. AB1953 specifically addresses the lead content used in the manufacturing of the products, while the NSF Standard 61 is a performance standard that measures the amount of lead and other metals that may leach in the water at the point-of-use.
Who is affected by the AB1953 Lead Free Law?
Currently the AB1953 Lead Free Law is in effect for California (AB1953) and Vermont (S152). Maryland and Massachusetts are considering the law, and others states may soon follow.
What are the effects of lead in water?
Lead in drinking water has been documented to cause a wide array of health issues for adults and children. Starting at birth, exposure to high levels of lead during gestation can cause different types of birth defects. Further exposure to lead in water has been documented to cause health issues for kids such as headaches, growth problems, nerve damage, behavioral problems and more. Although children's developing systems are more susceptible to lead exposure, lead can cause harmful side effects in adults as well. High levels of lead in water can lead to nerve damage, muscle and joint pains, and sterility and reproduction problems.