Lead poisons American distributors?
Consumer safety act causing some strifeA new American law regulating lead content in certain products for children under 12 has already caused putative collateral damage to manufacturers and distributors of some ATV and off-road motorcycles.
These vehicles fall under the new legislation and, according to sources, most of them meet the new guidelines, but some components unavoidably contain small quantities of lead in excess of the specified limits - although the nature and location of these components (eg battery terminals) suggests a very minimal exposure risk.
Secondly, and which is probably of greater concern, the new law is already in operation - a timeline that is untenable for most manufactures unless exclusions or exemptions are mandated.
Unless temporary relief is granted, the supply of vehicles will dry up in a short time, and has the potential to cause more anxiety in a market that is already suffering a severe downturn.
The AMA has taken up the cause with the United States government.
Like mercury, another heavy metal, lead is a potent element that accumulates in soft tissues and bone over time.
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