Fortune Brands Innovations Warns of Lead Risks in Off-Brand Faucets Amid Safety Concerns
- Fortune Brands Innovations warns of unsafe off-brand faucets, with 90% failing U.S. drinking water standards due to lead contamination.
- Executive Aaron Bores highlights alarming lead levels in these faucets, exceeding safety limits by 356% to 591%.
- Moen promotes quality over cost, assuring consumers of safe products to protect families from lead and chemical exposure.
Faucet Safety Concerns Spark Alarm for Consumers Amid Lead Contamination Risks
Moen, a leading brand under Fortune Brands Innovations, raises urgent alarms regarding the safety of inexpensive, off-brand faucets that have flooded the U.S. market in recent years. Independent tests conducted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) reveal a staggering 90% of these faucets fail to meet American safe drinking water standards, exposing consumers to dangerous levels of lead and other toxic chemicals. Between 2020 and 2024, approximately 35 million of these faucets have entered the U.S. market, posing a significant health risk to millions of Americans. These revelations are particularly troubling given the widespread adoption of these cost-effective plumbing options in households across the country.
Aaron Bores, executive vice president of product development at Fortune Brands Innovations, expresses deep concern over the shocking findings. The tests indicate that many of these off-brand faucets leach lead levels that far exceed safety standards, with some measurements reported to be between 356% and 591% higher than permissible limits. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has taken notice, issuing multiple product warnings urging consumers to stop using these hazardous faucets immediately due to the serious risks of lead contamination. Given that lead exposure can lead to severe health issues—especially in children—these findings raise significant concerns for public health and consumer safety.
Moen emphasizes the importance of choosing quality products over cheaper alternatives, highlighting that while these off-brand faucets may initially appear cost-effective, the health risks associated with lead and chemical exposure far outweigh any financial savings. The company reassures consumers that its products are meticulously designed to eliminate concerns about lead and chemical contamination in drinking water, thereby promoting a healthier environment for families. Moen’s commitment to consumer safety aligns with the current need for greater scrutiny of imported plumbing fixtures and the potential hazards they bring to American homes.
In light of these developments, Fortune Brands Innovations is likely to double down on its advocacy for stringent safety standards in the plumbing industry. As the CPSC continues to issue warnings, the company’s leadership may play a crucial role in shaping policy discussions that prioritize consumer health and safety. This situation serves as a wake-up call for consumers to be vigilant about the products they choose for their homes, as the implications of lead exposure extend far beyond mere financial considerations.