UN Environment Program: Leaded gasoline is history

The UN environmental program has announced the end of leaded gasoline worldwide. The last supplies were used up in Algeria in July. UNEP leader Andersen spoke of a “huge milestone”.

The era of leaded gasoline is finally over. The UN Environment Program (UNEP) announced in Nairobi that the fuel will no longer be sold anywhere in the world.

For a few weeks now, it has not been possible to fill up with leaded petrol in Algeria either. The North African country was the last to stop selling lead-added fuel worldwide. This is a milestone for the protection of health and the environment, said UNEP boss Inger Andersen.

First used around 100 years ago

Leaded gasoline was first used around 100 years ago. It should improve the performance of the engines. However, the incineration released toxic dust that was deposited in the air, soil, water and also in food.

Studies have shown that even low concentrations, for example, can impair brain development in children.

Banned in Germany for around 20 years

In Germany, leaded petrol was banned in the late 1980s. A little later, leaded super petrol was also banned. In 2000 the final ban followed throughout the European Union.

According to UN experts, the sales stop for leaded petrol shows that environmental protection goals can be achieved. The next step must now be to switch to electrically powered vehicles.