UL Announces the Certification of Whirlpool Corporation Products for Lead-Free Verification

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global leader in drinking water safety and the systems that deliver it, announced today that Whirlpool Corporation has completed the certification program for lead-free verification of refrigeration products that demonstrates compliance with the Federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act nationwide.

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.

For more information on UL's testing and analytical services for the water industry, visit www.ul.com/water.

About UL

UL is a premier global safety science company with more than 100 years of proven history. Employing more than 6,800 professionals in over 96 countries, UL is evolving the future of safety with five distinct business units – Product Safety, Environment, Life & Health, Verification and University – to meet the expanding needs of customers and the global public. For more information on UL's water programs and services, visit www.UL.com/water.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

SOURCE Underwriters Laboratories

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