Consultation on proposed risk management options for phase-out of lead wheel weights: information notice

 

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am pleased to inform you that Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) will be holding a consultation session on the proposed risk management options for a gradual phase-out of lead wheel weights in the Canadian market.

A Risk Management Strategy for Lead, published in February 2013, outlines the current and planned control actions for lead. These actions focus on further reducing lead exposure by strengthening efforts in priority areas. One of these priority areas is the release of lead from consumer products such as wheel weights.

Lead has historically been the preferred metal for wheel balancing because of its corrosion resistance, density, malleability and ductility. During use, lead wheel weights routinely fall off vehicles and are eventually abraded into lead dust, which is dispersed into the environment. Once in the environment, lead dust can build up in soil, enter waterways through runoff, or be inhaled.

In order to prevent or minimize lead exposition, ECCC is considering the following risk management options:

1. an Environmental Performance Agreement with key players in the wheel weight sector; or
   
2. proposed regulations to prohibit the manufacture and import of lead wheel weights in Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada has developed a consultation document that describes these risk management options for lead.

ECCC invites all interested and affected stakeholders to provide their comments, which will guide the development of the risk management instrument.

ECCC will review all written comments on the proposed approach and any input received during a consultation session that will be held in Toronto, Ontario, August 26, 2014.

Please send your written comments on the proposed risk management options by September 26, 2014 to:

Director
Products Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard 9th floor
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3

Fax: 819-938-4480 or 1-888-391-3695

Email: ec.produits-products.ec@canada.ca

Please type "Consultation on Lead Wheel Weights” in the subject line of your fax or email message.

For more information on the risk management of lead, we invite you to consult the chemical substances website.

Yours sincerely,

Astrid Telasco
Director, Products Division
Chemical Management Directorate
Environmental Stewardship Branch