Leaded Gasoline Was Recognized as Toxic From the Moment It Was Created

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A Smithsonian Magazine article revisiting the history of leaded gasoline highlights that its dangers were understood even at the time of its invention. Despite this early awareness, the fuel additive tetraethyl lead was widely adopted and used for decades in vehicles worldwide. The decision to proceed with leaded gas prioritized industrial and commercial interests over known public health risks. The article underscores how scientific evidence of harm was suppressed or ignored by those who stood to profit from the product.

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