California Department of Toxic Substances Control Advises Manufacturers to Explore Alternatives to Using Zinc in Rubber Tires

Last month, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) published a news release putting tire manufacturers on notice that the State wants them to explore alternatives to using zinc, a chemical element they describe as harming aquatic life and burdening waterways.

The agency shared the following in their announcement: Zinc helps make rubber stronger, but also wears off tire tread and washes into storm drains, streams, rivers and lakes, threatening California fish and other aquatic organisms. DTSC, the State’s department missioned to work toward safer California households, workplaces, and products, intends to use its innovative Safer Consumer Products (SCP) program to work with tire makers to look for an alternative to this harmful chemical. The SCP program seeks to remove toxic chemicals from products before they’re sold to consumers. This is more efficient and effective than issuing bans later, and, in this case, helps stormwater agencies cost-effectively meet state and federal water-quality requirements.

“DTSC also reported that zinc has been detected at high levels in many waterways and the agency was petitioned by the California Stormwater Quality Association to take this action,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “At LA Testing, our California laboratories help manufacturers, regulatory agencies, environmental groups and consumer advocates test products, as well as environmental and industrial hygiene samples, for zinc and compounds of zinc, in addition to many other chemical elements and compounds.”

To learn more about zinc or other consumer product, environmental, occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: : AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail