Getting lead out of gasoline

Removing lead from gasoline in the United States was a huge win for public health — and EDF’s persistent advocacy helped secure the victory.

Problem

In the 1970s, lead was still used in gasoline. As a result, car exhaust was laced with lead, endangering people’s health as they breathed in the tainted fumes. Lead is toxic, and it’s especially harmful to children, as it can impair brain development. There is no safe level of lead in the human body.

Solution

In 1970, EDF petitioned the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, seeking to curb lead in motor vehicle exhaust. In the years that followed, our experts testified in federal hearings, presented evidence on the dangers of lead exposure and showed how the benefits of protecting the public from lead would outweigh the costs.

Results

In the face of industry opposition, we fought for decades alongside many partners — and won. In 1973, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the rule that began phasing lead out of gasoline. Years of work culminated in a ban on leaded gasoline for motor vehicles in 1996 . As levels of lead measured in air plummeted, so too did levels of lead measured in kids.

Lasting impacts

Hard-won victories like getting lead out of gasoline show that change is possible. Keeping people and the environment safe from toxic chemicals has been a throughline in EDF’s work since our earliest days. And with lead still found in old paint, water pipes and more, EDF scientists continue to advocate for strong policies to protect people from this prevalent threat.