Leaded petrol

Context:

• The use of leaded petrol has been eradicated from the globe.
• It will prevent more than 1.2 million premature deaths and save world economies over $2.4 trillion annually, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
• The successful enforcement of the ban on leaded petrol is a huge milestone for global health and our environment.

What is leaded petrol?

• Leaded petrol - gasoline treated with a lead compound to reduce motor knocks.
• Combustion of leaded gasoline release lead into the air where it could cause lead poisoning.
• Lead serves two functions in engines: It suppresses engine knock and, more importantly, it extends the life of intake and exhaust valves inside the engine.

Concerns with leaded petrol

• Leaded petrol has caused more exposure to lead than any other source worldwide.
• It contaminate air, dust, soil, drinking- water and food crops, it has caused harmfully high human blood lead levels around the world, especially in children.
• It can cause heart disease, cancer and stroke, and has been linked to problems with brain development in children.

Difference between leaded and unleaded petrol

India and leaded petrol

• India banned leaded petrol in March 2000.
• By 2011, the United Nations announced that it had been successful in phasing out leaded gasoline worldwide.

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