The use of leaded petrol has been eradicated from the globe, as per the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Context
The use of leaded petrol has been eradicated from the globe, as per the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Background
- Concerns were raised as early as 1924, when dozens of workers were hospitalised and five declared dead after suffering convulsions at a refinery run by US giant Standard Oil.
- Nevertheless, until the 1970s almost all the gasoline sold across the globe contained lead.
- When UNEP launched its campaign in 2002, many major powers had already stopped using the fuel, including the United States, China and India.
- By 2016, after North Korea, Myanmar and Afghanistan stopped selling leaded petrol.
- Only a handful of countries were still operating service stations providing the fuel.
- Algeria is the last country to use the fuel.
UNEP on polluting transport sector
- The transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions and is set to grow to one third by 2050.
- 1.2 billion new vehicles would hit the streets in the coming decades.
- This includes millions of poor-quality used vehicles exported from Europe, the United States and Japan, to mid- and low-income countries.
- This contributes to planet warming and air polluting traffic.
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Important facts on lead
- Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust.
- Its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and significant public health problems in many parts of the world.
- Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children.
- Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time.
- Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood.
- Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus.
Significance of the development
- It will prevent more than 1.2 million premature deaths and save world economies over $2.4 trillion annually.
- The development also offers an opportunity for restoring ecosystems, especially in urban environments, which have been particularly degraded by this toxic pollutant.
Impact on SDG
- The end of leaded petrol is expected to support the realization of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including-
- good health and well-being (SDG3)
- clean water (SDG6)
- clean energy (SDG7)
- sustainable cities (SDG11)
- climate action (SDG13)
- life on land (SDG15)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Established on: 5th June 1972
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
- UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment.
- It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations
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