Leaded gasoline was first used in the 1920's as a lubricant. It was in 1976 that the use of leaded gasoline began to decline due to new guidelines on the use of lead. In 1982 the EPA lowered the limit on the amount of lead allowed in gasoline. This was followed by another reduction in 1986 as part of a plan to phase out the use of leaded gasoline. In the fifteen plus years since, leaded gasoline use has declined by ninety percent. These declines in leaded gasoline use do not mean that leaded gasoline is no longer a threat.

Once lead from auto emissions enters the environment, it is there indefinitely. This lead is released as a gas and in the form of a very fine dust that settles in the soil along roadsides. Areas around busy roads and highways may contain high levels of lead, making roadsides even more dangerous to children. People working on or around busy roads and highways may bring the lead dust into their homes on clothing and shoes. The dust can also be carried by the air. This air-borne dust can settle on surfaces around and in the home.

Return to Sources of Lead Poisoning

© Copyright