Sergeyryzhov/Getty ImagesDespite being used by humans since around 6500 BC, lead has been the subject of numerous bans over the last century or so, after science found out how much of a health hazard it really is. Its toxicological impacts are immense, so it's good that society has done so wherever possible. But aside from leaded gasoline, which may have caused a boom in a myriad of psychiatric disorders before it was banned, one of the most common everyday uses of lead since the advent of the automobile is in wheel weights — you know, to compensate for those red and yellow dots on your tires.But weirdly, despite California being well-known for its Proposition 65, the state didn't ban lead from being used for wheel weights until 2010. Also weird: As of 2023, only eight other states have similar bans on their books. For something so widespread – and far more common than using tire balancing beads — you'd think wheel weights would be an easy place to ban lead.California Health and Safety Code Sections 25215.6-25215.7, which took effect on January 1st, 2010, ban any wheel weights with more than 0.1 percent lead in them – leave it to the Golden State to get quite specific here. The fine for being caught using lead wheel weights is also quite steep. But why does California ban lead wheel weights, and what do tire shops use instead? It has to do with how they leach this immensely toxic substance into the environment, and — to no surprise to anyone — there are several safer substitutes out there.AdvertisementAdvertisementRead more: These Are The Worst Current Automotive Trends, According To YouThe consequences of using lead wheel weights are dire for everyoneLaura R.L/ShutterstockThe main reason for targeting wheel weights is that they can easily become dislodged from their round homes — either from age, potholes, big bumps, or any number of other causes — and are then out there in the wild. Passing traffic wears them down, spreading lead further, and once met with rain or anything else to expedite their journey into groundwater, it becomes a real environmental health hazard.Before California's ban took place, the EPA estimated that half a million pounds of lead were introduced into the environment from cars' and trucks' wheel weights every year in this single state alone — yikes (via Department of Toxic Substances Control). What took the place of lead in wheel weights in California? Well, seemingly anything is better than lead, but steel, copper, and zinc are common nowadays.The exact language behind California's law is interesting. Any vehicle manufactured on or after the law went into effect and sold in-state must have lead-free wheel weights; then, any car made in 2009 or earlier must have its lead wheel weights replaced with lead-free units when its tires are changed or rebalanced. If any shop uses their old leaded stock in this day and age (though it's been 16 years at this point) and is caught, the fine can reach $2,500 (via DTSC). California bans lead wheel weights to improve the environment for all living creatures within its boundaries. Plus, it's pretty darn easy for tire shops to use steel, zinc, or copper in its place.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox, and follow us or add us as a preferred search source on Google.Read the original article on Jalopnik.
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