In the United States leaded gasoline is a thing of the past. Thanks to leadership and cooperation from industry, governments and non-governmental organizations, it is now a thing of the past in Africa, too.
For years, automobile engines required lead in gasoline to reduce “knocking.” But by the early 1970s, the health effects of this heavy metal, especially on children, were becoming clear. Lead also prevents catalytic converters, which significantly reduce car emissions, from working properly.
The United States began to mandate lead reductions in gasoline, and as a result of this phase-out, total lead emissions in this country have fallen 98 percent. The introduction of unleaded gasoline has led to healthier communities and cleaner air. Many other countries followed suit, but not all, including most countries in Africa.
With the goal of taking the lead out of gasoline sold in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2006, ExxonMobil joined forces with other oil companies through the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) as well as auto companies, governments, environmental groups and communities to form the “Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles” at the United Nations.
Phasing out lead required governments to overturn regulations and overhaul state-owned refineries geared for leaded gasoline production. It required industry to invest in new lead-free production, transport, and marketing operations.
By January 1, 2006, production of leaded gasoline in sub-Saharan Africa stopped. The people of Africa can now look forward to a future of lead-free fuel.
ExxonMobil hopes to apply this successful partnership model elsewhere and bring an end to lead in gasoline worldwide.
For background information on the project, see IPIECA’s report “Getting the Lead Out – downstream strategies and resources for phasing out leaded gasoline”.