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

July 13, 2016
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Leeman v. Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. executed a Consent Judgment on July 13, 2016.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Whitney R. Leeman, Ph.D. alleged that Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. (“CVG”) sold commercial vehicle seats with vinyl/PVC upholstery containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“...
May 25, 2016
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Englander v. OPW Fueling Components Inc. executed a Consent Judgment on May 24, 2016.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Peter Englander alleged that OPW Fueling Components Inc. (“OPW”) sold vinyl/PVC fuel pump nozzle grips containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of...
May 3, 2016
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On May 3, 2016, citizen enforcer Peter Englander and settling party Innovative Products of America, Incorporated (“Innovative”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Englander had alleged that Innovative sold vinyl/PVC fuel pump nozzle grips containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of...
April 26, 2016
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On April 26, 2016, citizen enforcer Peter Englander and settling party Apache Hose & Belting Company, Inc. (“Apache Hose”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Englander had alleged that Apache Hose sold vinyl/PVC fuel pump nozzle grips containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of...
April 26, 2016
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On April 26, 2016, citizen enforcer Peter Englander and settling party Great Plains Industries, Inc. (“Great Plains”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Englander had alleged that Great Plains sold vinyl/PVC fuel pump nozzle grips containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”) in the State of California...
April 8, 2016
DEHP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Moorberg v. Schumacher Electric Corporation executed a Consent Judgment on April 8, 2016.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Mark Moorberg alleged that Schumacher Electric Corporation (“Schumacher”) sold booster cable clamps with vinyl/PVC grips containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP...
December 18, 2015
DBP, DEHP, DINP
Consent Judgment
The parties involved in the case Leeman v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. executed a Consent Judgment on December 18, 2015.  In this matter, citizen enforcer Dr. Whitney R. Leeman alleged that American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (“Honda”) sold vinyl/PVC cords and clamp grips containing the phthalate chemicals di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP”),...
December 11, 2015
DEHP
Out-of-Court Settlement
On December 11, 2015, citizen enforcer Anthony Held, Ph.D, P.E. and settling party Classic Accessories, Inc. (“Classic Accessories”) entered into an out-of-court settlement agreement.  Held had alleged that Classic Accessories sold motorcycle tank bags with vinyl/PVC components containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (“DEHP...