The American Society of Sanitary Engineering in January introduced a new Lead Content Certification Program which is now being offered for new and current ASSE listings. ASSE's Lead Content Certification Program is launched with the purpose of verifying products as having ó0.25% percent maximum average lead content.
   With recent legislative changes in states such as California and Vermont, the need to verify lead content has become a necessity for manufacturers of plumbing products.
   The ASSE Lead Content Certification Program allows manufacturers applying for ASSE listings and manufacturers with current ASSE listings to demonstrate their compliance to new regulations as well as demonstrate their concern for the public's health and safety.
   ASSE's new program includes a lead content certification test report form, which will calculate the lead content of a product being tested. These calculations are based on the test protocols set forth by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). To apply for ASSE's lead content certification, the lead content calculation report must be completed by an ASSE Listed Testing Laboratory and signed by a toxicologist authorized by the laboratory.
   Manufacturers applying for a new listing must also ensure that an ASSE Listed Testing Laboratory submit a test report for the appropriate product performance standard, as listed in the Seal Control Board Procedures - Appendices C & D, and must also complete an application packet.
   Manufacturers applying for lead content certification for a current ASSE listed model must submit a modification request to the Product Listing Coordinator, Kimberly Haffey, and must also instruct an ASSE Listed Testing Laboratory to submit the ASSE lead content calculation report to the American Society of Sanitary Engineering's International Office.
   To download a copy of the lead content certification test report form, visit ASSE's Web site.