Auto Paint Makers to pay $1.2 Million to Settle Lawsuits

As You Sow prosecuted California's auto paint makers for violation of Proposition 65, which requires warnings on products with toxic ingredients. The manufacturers have agreed to pay $1.2 million, keep lead and other toxic metals out of new paints, and place safety warnings on existing paint products sold to auto repair and remodeling shops. As You Sow has sued the Du Pont Company, PPG Industries, BASF, Akzo Nobel and 27 other paint companies in several countries for alleged violations of Prop 65. As You Sow will divide the settlements with the state and several environmental groups. "We believe that by forcing manufacturers to reformulate for the California market, the incentives will be there to take heavy metals out of products nationwide," said Tom Van Dyck, president of As You Sow.