ERIE, PA. – On March 11, as members of plumbing organizations across the world join together to recognize World Plumbing Day and to promote the vital role the plumbing industry plays in protecting public health and safety, Zurn Industries LCC announced that its entire line of products will be available “lead-free” by the close of 2012. Zurn products will comply with NSF low-lead Standard 61: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects, Annex G requirements more than a year in advance of the deadline mandated by the “Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act.”
“Zurn focused resources early to create product solutions and we are pleased to announce we will be in compliance ahead of schedule,” said David Scelsi, director of product management and engineering, Zurn Commercial Brass Operation.
The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (S. 3874) requires that any valve, fitting or fixture coming in contact with potable water must meet NSF/ANSI Standard 61-G requirements, having a weighted average of less than 0.25% lead content. The law will take nationwide effect on Jan. 4, 2014, but states like California and Vermont have already begun enforcing it. Other states may follow. With its early compliance, Zurn becomes the leader in lead-free applications and global awareness of lead-related health issues.
“We’ve been working toward this goal since the Act was passed into law and World Plumbing Day presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate this commitment,” said Rick Fields, senior director of marketing and product development, Zurn Wilkins. “By making the change early, we hope to set an example and encourage fellow manufacturers, engineers, contractors, building owners and water purveyors to do the same in the interest of a healthier tomorrow.”
Children and senior citizens are particularly at risk when exposed to lead in drinking water. Lead contamination can lead to damage in the brain and nervous system, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, reproductive problems, high blood pressure and more. Through studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control and the PEW Center on the States, Congress discovered that by reducing lead in the nation’s drinking water systems, the U.S. could save an estimated $10.8 - $53.1 million in health care costs annually.
“Zurn Industries’ commitment to comply with NSF Annex G’s lead content requirements in advance of the 2012 deadline reinforces to their customers that protecting public health is a #1 priority,” said Nasrin Kashefi, general manager of NSF International’s Plumbing Programs. Products that meet NSF/ANSI Standard 61-G requirements appear on NSF International’s website and bear the NSF Annex G Mark.
Zurn Industries has a history of producing products that are in compliance with federal and state low-lead standards. In September 2009 Zurn became the first manufacturer in the industry to provide lead-free, fully approved backflow prevention assemblies and parts to the market.
Established by the World Plumbing Council, World Plumbing Day is dedicated to helping the general public better understand and appreciate the extent to which the plumbing industry’s compliance with evolving State and Federal regulations can help to improve the quality of potable water and lives of those who drink it. Additional information on World Plumbing Day is available at www.worldplumbingday.org.
“Zurn focused resources early to create product solutions and we are pleased to announce we will be in compliance ahead of schedule,” said David Scelsi, director of product management and engineering, Zurn Commercial Brass Operation.
The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (S. 3874) requires that any valve, fitting or fixture coming in contact with potable water must meet NSF/ANSI Standard 61-G requirements, having a weighted average of less than 0.25% lead content. The law will take nationwide effect on Jan. 4, 2014, but states like California and Vermont have already begun enforcing it. Other states may follow. With its early compliance, Zurn becomes the leader in lead-free applications and global awareness of lead-related health issues.
“We’ve been working toward this goal since the Act was passed into law and World Plumbing Day presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate this commitment,” said Rick Fields, senior director of marketing and product development, Zurn Wilkins. “By making the change early, we hope to set an example and encourage fellow manufacturers, engineers, contractors, building owners and water purveyors to do the same in the interest of a healthier tomorrow.”
Children and senior citizens are particularly at risk when exposed to lead in drinking water. Lead contamination can lead to damage in the brain and nervous system, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, reproductive problems, high blood pressure and more. Through studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control and the PEW Center on the States, Congress discovered that by reducing lead in the nation’s drinking water systems, the U.S. could save an estimated $10.8 - $53.1 million in health care costs annually.
“Zurn Industries’ commitment to comply with NSF Annex G’s lead content requirements in advance of the 2012 deadline reinforces to their customers that protecting public health is a #1 priority,” said Nasrin Kashefi, general manager of NSF International’s Plumbing Programs. Products that meet NSF/ANSI Standard 61-G requirements appear on NSF International’s website and bear the NSF Annex G Mark.
Zurn Industries has a history of producing products that are in compliance with federal and state low-lead standards. In September 2009 Zurn became the first manufacturer in the industry to provide lead-free, fully approved backflow prevention assemblies and parts to the market.
Established by the World Plumbing Council, World Plumbing Day is dedicated to helping the general public better understand and appreciate the extent to which the plumbing industry’s compliance with evolving State and Federal regulations can help to improve the quality of potable water and lives of those who drink it. Additional information on World Plumbing Day is available at www.worldplumbingday.org.