Clean Car Campaign

Action Alerts

Tell automakers to get the lead out

Lead has been banned from paint and gasoline for decades because it is one of the most harmful chemicals known. Cars and light trucks contain most of the lead used today, posing a continuing threat to children's health. Tell automakers and battery manufacturers to get the lead out.

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** Tell automakers and battery manufacturers to get the lead out **

Over 19 million cars and trucks are sold each year in North America. Each car contains over 27 pounds of lead, a substance so toxic it was banned from gasoline and paint decades ago. Despite the dangers, automakers still use lead in batteries and other car parts, even where safer alternatives are available. European law is already beginning to phase out some lead components in cars. Now it's time for America to build on Europe's example. Tell auto and battery executives to stop using toxic lead in America's vehicles.

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Take action or get more information: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/carlead/

Take action by September 23, 2003

-------YOU MAY EDIT THE LETTER BELOW---------

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

Please phase out the use of lead in America's cars and trucks, and in car batteries, by using and developing safer alternatives.

Every year, the auto industry in North America is responsible for the release or transfer of 300 million pounds of lead, a metal so toxic that its use in consumer products such as gasoline and paint was banned decades ago. Children are most vulnerable to lead's effects, which include brain damage, learning disorders, and behavioral problems.

A single car component, the lead-acid battery, accounts for 57% of the world's lead use today. I urge you to phase out the use of lead in batteries in favor of safer alternatives.

Finally, I urge automakers to eliminate other sources of lead in vehicles. For example, auto designers should substitute tin or steel for lead in wheel weights, and switch to lead-free solder.

Removing lead from cars and car batteries will protect our children and our environment.

I urge you to phase out the use of lead-acid batteries, and implement in North America the lead phase-out requirements outlined in the European Union's End-of-Life Vehicle Directive. During a transition to lead-free cars and trucks, I also urge you to take responsibility for recovering and safely managing lead used in your products.

Thank you.

Sincerely yours,