Illinois becomes latest state to ban lead weights

Sept. 28, 2010

Illinois has become the latest state to ban the use of lead wheel weights, following New York's decision to ban them this past July.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Act states that on and after Jan. 1, 2012, "no person shall use a weight or other product to balance a vehicle wheel or tire if the weight of other product contains mercury that was intentionally added during the manufacturing process or contains more than 0.1% lead by weight."

In addition, starting on Jan. 1, 2012, "no person shall offer to sell, distribute or offer to distribute a weight or other product for balancing a wheel or vehicle tire if the weight or other product contains mercury that was intentionally added during the manufacturing process or contains more than 0.1% lead by weight."

For a look at New York's decision to band lead weights, click here.