UL announces the certification of Whirlpool Corporation Products for lead-free verification

Established before federal mandates, UL's certification program is designed specifically for products that convey or dispense water for human consumption, such as plumbing fixtures or fittings that come into contact with potable water and appliances that provide water for drinking or utilize water in generating beverage or food products. In working with UL throughout the certification process, Whirlpool has achieved advanced recognition in meeting recent government regulations.

Whirlpool is committed to manufacturing safe and reliable products that comply with government regulations and meet the needs of our customers, said Adrian Micu, vice president of global engineering for Whirlpool Corporation.

Signed into law by President Obama on Jan. 4, 2010, The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act redefines lead-free under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Lead-free products must not contain more than 0.2 percent lead when used with respect to solder and flux. In addition, such products must not exceed a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe and plumbing fittings and fixtures. While the new Federal law provides a 36-month implementation period, similar legislation had already been passed in California, Maryland and Vermont with effective dates as far back as Jan. 1, 2010.

UL's ability to certify products to the new low-lead requirements demonstrates our capacity to rapidly harness our expertise in this area to fulfill an unmet industry need. UL is helping manufacturers navigate the new low-lead requirements and bring safer products to the marketplace said Jeff Smith, general manager, UL Global Water Business.

UL certified ice and water-dispensing refrigerators, water filters, and other water dispensing products for Whirlpool Corporation against UL Subject Outline 116875