The Maryland House of Representatives
recently introduced HB 357, Business Occupations and Professions - Plumbers -
Lead-Free Materials, which requires that materials used in the installation or
repair of plumbing intended to dispense water for human consumption be
lead-free.
Lead-freeis defined in the bill
as containing not more than a weighted average lead content of 0.25 percent for
the wetted surfaces of pipe, pipefittings, plumbing fittings or fixtures; 0.2
percent lead for solder and flux; 4 percent lead by dry weight for plumbing
fittings and fixtures; and 8 percent lead by dry weight for pipe and
pipefittings.
The bill prohibits the sale of pipe and other plumbing supplies if they are not
lead-free and are intended for use with water for human consumption. Sale of
solder or flux that is not lead-free is permitted if it carries a label
indicating that it is not for use with water intended for human consumption.
The Maryland bill is similar to lead-free plumbing legislation enacted last year in California. A hearing on the bill is scheduled
today.
If enacted, the legislation would be effective Jan. 1, 2011.
Source:www.WeAreLeadFree.net.