THE RISK EQUATIONS. THE CASE AGAINST LEAD IN PETROL

The author feels that the case against lead in petrol, a major source of environmental lead, is stronger than ever and considers that UK government action has had very little effect in reducing lead content. The more effective actions taken by such countries as USA, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Japan and the Soviet Union are listed. Because of the cumulative effect of lead even low concentrations in rural areas are harmful. Results of experiments conducted in the USA are quoted which imply that low doses of lead could be responsible for hyperactivity in children with no classical symptoms of lead poisoning. Other adverse effects mentioned are the disturbance of foetal development, production of genetic changes and reduction of fertility. Lead has also been implicated as having caused "spontaneous" miscarriages, stillbirths and preterm deliveries. Mention is made of metabolic effects of lead that have been studied at the cellular level. The increases in blood lead level of men and women living near the gravelly Hill M6 interchange since its opening are discussed. The Germans and Americans have shown that the easiest path to non-lead petrol is to build engines with lower compression ratios. /TRRL/

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/02624079
• Corporate Authors:

  IPC Magazine Limited

  King's Reach Tower, Stamford Street
  London SE1 9LS,   England 

  IPC Magazines

  66-69 Great Queens Street
  London WC2E 5DD,   England 
• Authors:
  • Mathews, J
• Publication Date: 1977-8-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 348-350
• Serial:
  • NEW SCIENTIST
  • Volume: 75
  • Issue Number: 1064
  • Publisher: REED BUSINESS INFORMATION LTD
  • ISSN: 0262-4079

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution; Children; Compression; Diseases and medical conditions; Engines; Environment; Females; Gasoline; Gasoline engines; Human beings; Lead (Metal); Poisons
• Geographic Terms: Germany; United Kingdom; United States
• ITRD Terms: 1394: Catalytic converter; 1758: Child; 5532: Compression; 8125: Germany; 7138: Lead (metal); 1787: Man; 2154: Medical aspects; 1334: Motor; 8119: United Kingdom; 8122: USA; 1788: Woman
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00172552
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 28 1978 12:00AM