Automotive Products

Automotive Products

The Chanler Group's clients have initiated many Proposition 65 enforcement actions against companies that sell a variety of automotive products, including automotive tools, chemicals, electrical components, and accessories that contain detectable levels of phthalates and the heavy metal lead.  These substances are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm.

As a neurotoxin, lead negatively affects the nervous system, especially children’s brains. Research has shown that repeated exposure to lead cumulatively affects the developing nervous system and, over time, can lead to attention deficit, learning disabilities, short-term memory loss, behavioral problems, and diminished intellectual ability.

Phthalates are "plasticizers," substances added to plastic components and materials in consumer products to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity.  The Chanler Group's clients regularly investigate the presence of phthalate chemicals such as di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate ("DEHP"),  butyl benzyl phthalate ("BBP"), and Di-n-butyl phthalate ("DBP") which are often found in consumer products.

The Chanler Group, on behalf of its clients, has secured settlements from many automotive companies in which the companies have agreed to reformulate their products to either virtually eliminate the presence of phthalates and lead or provide Proposition 65 health hazard warnings. The Chanler Group and its clients continue to closely monitor this industry in order to protect consumers from exposure to chemicals such as phthalates and lead. 

To review legal agreements whichThe Chanler Group's clients have reached with companies that sell automotive products, please see the cases below.

firm casework - enforcement

May 23, 2017
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On May 23, 2017, citizen enforcer Peter Englander and settling party Racing Products Group, Inc. (“Racing Products”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Englander had alleged that Racing Products sold tire pressure gauges with tubing containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California...
February 15, 2017
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On February 15, 2017, citizen enforcer Russell Brimer and settling party Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. (“Hagen”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Brimer had alleged that Hagen sold vinyl/PVC tie-out cables containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California without providing the...
December 19, 2016
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Englander v. MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. executed a Consent Judgment on December 19, 2016.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Peter Englander alleged that MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (“MSC”) sold fuel pump nozzles with vinyl/PVC covers containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”)...
October 17, 2016
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Englander v. Emco Wheaton Retail Corporation executed a Consent Judgment on October 17, 2016.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Peter Englander alleged that Emco Wheaton Retail Corporation (“Emco Wheaton”) sold fuel pump nozzles with vinyl/PVC covers containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“...
August 26, 2016
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On August 26, 2016, citizen enforcer Peter Englander and settling party Northern Tool & Equipment Company, Incorporated (“NTE”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Englander had alleged that NTE sold vinyl/PVC fuel pump nozzle grips containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of...
August 11, 2016
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Leeman v. Lowe's Companies Inc., et al. executed a Consent Judgment on August 11, 2016.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Whitney R. Leeman, Ph.D., alleged that Kristus, Inc. DBA Air Power America (“Kristus”) sold vinyl/PVC oil suction hoses containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) (“DEHP...
July 28, 2016
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On July 28, 2016, citizen enforcer Peter Englander and settling party Fastenal Company (“Fastenal”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Englander had alleged that Fastenal sold fuel pump nozzles with vinyl/PVC components containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California without...
July 13, 2016
DEHP, Lead
Out-of-Court Settlement
On July 13, 2016, citizen enforcer Russell Brimer and settling party Allstar Marketing Group, LLC (“Allstar”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Brimer had alleged that Allstar sold vinyl/PVC car phone mount suction cups containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) and the heavy metal lead in the State...