Speakman No-Lead Products
Products can be described as lead free if the weighted average material composition of the wetted surface areas contains less than 0.25% lead.
In other words, for each product we look at all of the components that come in contact with water, evaluate how much surface area of each part comes in contact with water, determine the percentage of lead in each of the materials that come in contact with the water and then calculate a weighted average of leaded surface areas in contact with water. The final result must be less than 0.25%.
The State of California has introduced a new state law generally known as AB 1953 mandating the use of “lead free” materials for all pipes and pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures being installed or repaired in any public water system or plumbing in any facility providing water for human consumption January 1, 2010. Since California passed its law, the State of Vermont has also adopted a very similar law that also goes into effect on the same date.
What is Speakman’s position on lead free?
We believe that all faucets including sensor faucets fall under the purview of the California law. We have begun converting all of our faucet product lines to meet lead free regulations. While we can't say every single product will be changed over and certified to lead free requirements by January 1, 2010, the vast majority of our faucets will be converted prior to this date and will be in stock and ready for shipment come January 1, 2010. Those products not yet ready will come on board as quickly as possible thereafter.
We fully endorse the use of lead free brass and will be converting our entire product line to no lead, even for those states that don't legally require it.