Unleaded petrol
Sir, —Lead is added to petrol to boost its octane number. In order to rid the engine of lead deposits “scavengers” are added. These chemicals (produced by Associated Octel) are carcinogenic, and the products of their combustion not only increase engine maintenance costs but are a source of dioxin. Leaded petrol is the main source of atmospheric lead, which is potentially dangerous to young children, causing irrevocable damage to their central nervous system. Using unleaded 91 produces none of these evils! The public’s reluctance to use unleaded petrol seems to be based on the Ministry of Energy’s and the oil companies’ unwillingness to promote their product. The former refuses because it sees C.N.G. and L.P.G. as the only lead-free alternatives, and the latter because they have a vested interest in Associated Octel. It is in their interest to see the market failure of unleaded 91. If we are not careful New Zealand will become one of the Western world’s last dumping grounds for these dangerous petrol additives. —
Yours, etc., R. M. GENET. August 24, 1988.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19880830.2.121.4
Bibliographic details
Press, 30 August 1988, Page 20
Word Count
177Unleaded petrol Press, 30 August 1988, Page 20
Using This Item
Stuff Ltd is the copyright owner for the Press. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 New Zealand licence. This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of Stuff Ltd. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.
Copyright in all Footrot Flats cartoons is owned by Diogenes Designs Ltd. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise these cartoons and make them available online as part of this digitised version of the Press. You can search, browse, and print Footrot Flats cartoons for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Diogenes Designs Ltd for any other use.
Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Christchurch City Libraries.
Log in