AAMA tightens lead-free standards for vinyl profiles

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association has approved revamped testing procedures designed to ensure that vinyl profiles used by AAMA-certified window and door producers are lead free. The procedure applies to both domestic and offshore extruders of vinyl profiles, as well as to AAMA accredited testing laboratories and licensees of the AAMA certification program. Those licensed extruders found to be in noncompliance to the new AAMA procedures, AAMA 109-04, can be fined up to $250,000.
Key to the new AAMA certification process is a lead content test using lead-check swabs. One sample of each profile design and color found in the plant must be tested for lead during the unannounced AAMA inspections, which take place twice a year. The new procedures are scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2005. Copies of the AAMA 109-04 document can be obtained by emailing AAMA certification manager Dean Lewis at dlewis@aamanet.org.