Two new studies illustrate that release of mercury into the atmosphere is very toxic for humans and animals. The studies show that the majority of releases occur when contaminated steel is melted in electric arc furnaces. Automobiles are estimated to be the largest source of the contamination into the air.
Approximately 175 to 200 metric tons of mercury are in vehicles on the road today in hood and trunk lighting and anti-lock braking systems that have mercury switches. Domestic manufacturers continue to use mercury switches, while international automakers such as Toyota, Volvo and BMW have stopped using mercury switches, according to one report.
In another recent press release, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) also expressed its concern about the disposal process of automobile parts containing mercury, and has suggested that the final responsibility for collecting and disposing of the mercury switches should logically fall more on vehicle manufacturers. Additional groups, including the Environmental Defense, Great Lakes United and the Ecology Center, have taken a similar stance.
ARA supports the studies' recommendations that mercury use in switches and other components be eliminated immediately, that vehicle manufacturers take responsibility for removal and safe collection of mercury from existing fleets, that makers label vehicles that have parts containing mercury, and that automakers notify automotive recyclers which models contain mercury.
The bill addresses the priority of liens, and assures that repair shop owners have some protection when a vehicle has been left in their possession.
In 1999, the Arkansas Senate passed a bill, which later became law, that allowed banks and financial institutions to repossess vehicles in the repair, body shop and towing service possession without payment for the work performed. This left many shop owners without recourse to receive payment for services rendered.
House Bill 1285 seeks to change the lien process. The bill allows repair, body and towing shops to retain the vehicle until payment is made for services and storage.
The company said it will do so because when a technician becomes ASE certified, their employer knows that technician has the skills to do the job right, and customers will entrust their vehicles to the technician because they recognize the quality of a professional ASE certified technician.
March 30 is the registration deadline for the spring 2002 ASE Certification Test, which will be conducted May 1. ASE test centers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is suggested that applicants register early.
“By using the Internet to send status updates directly to insurance providers, shops can significantly reduce the number of calls they receive from rental car companies checking on the status of cars for insurance companies,” said Bruce Clifton, vice president of Enterprise.
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AutoInc. Magazine ® Vol.XLIX, March 2001
E-mail: asainfo@asashop.org, Web Site: http://www.asashop.org
Copyright © 2001 Automotive Service Association (ASA). All rights reserved.