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

December 21, 2012
DEHP
Consent Judgment
On December 21, 2012, the Alameda County Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in Moore v. DAS Distributors, Inc., et al., which resolved citizen enforcer John Moore's allegations that the defendants DAS Distributors, Inc. and DAS, Inc. ("DAS") distributed and/or sold notepad and business card holders with vinyl/PVC covers and vinyl/PVC kit bag products...
December 12, 2012
Lead
Out-of-Court Settlement
Citizen enforcer Russell Brimer and settling defendant Whiteside Manufacturing Company ("Whiteside") entered into an out-of-court Settlement Agreement on December 12, 2012.  In this matter, Brimer alleged that Whiteside sold coverings for seats containing the heavy metal lead in the State of California without providing the requisite health hazard warnings...
September 4, 2012
DEHP
Consent Judgment
On September 4, 2012, the San Francisco County Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in Moore v. Winplus North America, Inc., which resolved citizen enforcer John Moore's allegations that the defendant Winplus North America, Inc. ("Winplus") sold automotive seat covers containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate ("DEHP") in the...
March 21, 2012
DEHP
Consent Judgment
On March 21, 2012, the Marin County Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in Held v. Bell Automotive Products, Inc., et al., which resolved citizen enforcer Anthony E. Held, Ph.D., P.E.'s allegations that the defendant, Bell Automotive Products, Inc. ("Bell Automotive"), sold automotive organizers and automotive seat covers containing the phthalate...
March 16, 2012
DEHP, Lead
Consent Judgment
On March 16, 2012, the Marin County Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in Moore v. Kraco; et al., which resolved citizen enforcer John Moore's allegations that the defendants Kraco Enterprises, LLC ("Kraco") and Auto-Expressions LLC ("Auto-Expressions") sold vinyl mats containing the phthalate chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate ("DEHP...
February 24, 2012
Lead
Consent Judgment
On February 24, 2012, the Alameda County Superior Court entered a Consent Judgment in Brimer v. Camping World, Inc.; et al., which resolved citizen enforcer Russell Brimer's allegations that the defendants Camping World, Inc. and CWI, Inc. (collectively "Camping World") sold tire pressure gauges containing the heavy metal lead in the State of California...
February 16, 2011
Lead
Out-of-Court-Settlement
On February 16, 2011, citizen enforcer Russell Brimer and settling defendant G.H. Meiser & Co. ("G.H. Meiser") entered into an out-of-court Settlement Agreement, which resolved Brimer's allegations that G.H. Meiser sold tire pressure gauges containing the heavy metal lead in the State of California without providing the health hazard warnings. As part of...
October 12, 2010
Lead
Out-of-Court Settlement
On October 12, 2010, citizen enforcer Russell Brimer and settling defendant Accessories Marketing, Inc. ("Accessories Marketing") entered into an out-of-court Settlement Agreement, which resolved Brimer's allegations that Accessories Marketing sold tire pressure gauge products that exposed users to the heavy metal lead in the State of California without...