HealthyCar.org

Lead is sometimes used as an additive in automotive plastics such as PVC and is commonly used in wheel weights and solder. The European Union began restricting some of these uses of lead in automotive applications in accordance with its "End of Life Vehicle Directive" issued in 2000. Since then, many auto companies have significantly reduced their use of lead, but nonetheless it is still found in many vehicle components.

The link between lead exposure and a number of severe health effects is well established. Long-term exposure in children can cause brain damage, affect a child’s growth, damage kidneys, and cause learning and behavioral problems. In adults, exposure to lead can increase blood pressure, cause kidney damage, nerve disorders, reporductive and other health problems. The Department of Health and Human Services has determined that lead and lead compounds are reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Lead also causes environmental concerns when disposed of in landfills or incinerated at the end of vehicle life because it can contaminate water, soil, air and wildlife.

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