Legal Action Cites Chrysler, Producers for Continuing Use of Lead-Based Wheel Weights

Oakland, CA - The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) today initiated legal action to stop the sale of lead-based wheel weights in the state of California, due to the threat of lead pollution to the state's waterways from wheel weights that fall from cars and trucks. CEH notified the major producers of wheel weights and Chrysler, a leading auto maker, that the lead-based weights are illegal under state's safe drinking water law. While other auto makers have eliminated or are moving away from the use of lead wheel weights, Chrysler continues to use the lead-polluting product for most of its new U.S. car models.
Download CEH Report: Polluted Highways, Poisoned Waters: Lead in Wheel Balancing Weights"

HealthyCar.Org Released As First-Ever Consumer Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Cars

Today the Ecology Center released the first-ever consumer guide to toxic chemicals in cars at www.HealthyCar.org. Over 200 of the most popular 2006- and 2007-model vehicles in the U.S. were tested for chemicals that off-gas from indoor auto parts such as the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests and seats. These chemicals become part of the air we breathe contributing to "new car smell" and a variety of acute and long-term health concerns.

What is a Green Machine?

Green Machines Road Trip!
Green Machines is hitting the road, traveling from Minnesota to Michigan in late January, highlighting stories of how fuel-efficient vehicles and technologies are creating jobs and economic growth in the Midwest. Take Action to Save oil and Save Jobs!

Ford and Honda Join Toyota as Leaders in Using Environmentally-Friendly, Safe Plastics for Car Interiors
The Ecology Center released its second annual "Automotive Plastics Report," which grades the country's eight leading car manufacturers on their plastics policies and practices. Although all companies can still make great strides in order to be completely safe for the environment and public health, Ford and Honda have made significant improvements since last year, joining Toyota as leaders in the movement toward using sustainable plastics in indoor auto parts.

Landmark New National Program to Collect Mercury Switches from Automobiles
A landmark agreement was announced that will greatly reduce a major source of mercury from the environment by creating a new, industry-funded, national program for recovering mercury switches from vehicles before they are dismantled and melted for recycling. The agreement was reached after years of research, advocacy and coalition-building by Environmental Defense and Ecology Center, working closely with the vehicle dismantlers, vehicle shredders, steelmakers, states, the auto industry and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

High Levels of Toxic Chemicals Found in Car Interiors, New Study Says
Seat cushions, arm rests, floor coverings and plastic parts used in most car interiors are made with toxic chemicals known to pose major public health risks. A first-of-its-kind report by the Ecology Center found high levels of PBDEs in vehicle dust and windshield wipe samples, and has put car manufacturers under pressure to prove that their cars are safe for drivers and passengers alike. Take Action!

Industry-NGO Partnership Calls on Ford to Remove Mercury Switches from Recalled Vehicles
Inside the 3.8 million vehicles that Ford is recalling for defective cruise control switches are approximately 2.5 million mercury switches that pose another threat to the public. These switches combined contain as much as 6,500 pounds of mercury, which is as much mercury as the top five emitting coal-fired power plants emit in one year.

In the Tank: How Oil Prices Threaten Automakers' Profits and Jobs
The Big Three U.S. automakers stand to lose billions more in profits and tens of thousands of jobs in the next oil price spike, according to a comprehensive new analysis. Tight supplies and rising demand for oil mean that even a modest disruption could send crude prices soaring far beyond today's near-record levels, dealing a devastating blow to companies already reeling from the collapsing demand for their most profitable, least fuel-efficient vehicles.

Automaker Strategies Aggravate Global Warming
Despite growing concern over global warming, major automakers still pursue product strategies that make the problem worse. Through 2003, carbon dioxide emissions -- a primary cause of global warming -- from U.S. cars and light trucks have increased 25 percent above the 1990 levels, according to a new report by Environmental Defense.

U.S. Automakers Receive Near
Failing Grades on the Use of Environmentally Safe Plastics in Cars
U.S. automakers received near failing grades in the use of recyclable, safe plastics in vehicles, according to a recent report by the Michigan-based Ecology Center, in collaboration with Clean Production Action. The six top-selling automakers in the U.S. were graded on their commitment to using environmentally friendly plastics. Toyota led the group with a C, while Ford, Daimler Chrysler and General Motors were among the lowest scoring companies, all receiving D's.