Lead was added to gasoline in the 1920’s to reduce “knocking” and improved fuel efficiency. But lead proved to be a toxic pollutant, having a major effect on the cognitive development of children. Many countries began phasing out the use of leaded gasoline in the 1970s, which is why you still find signs indicating “unleaded gasoline” at the gasoline pump today. Japan was the first country to entirely ban leaded gasoline in 1986. The US and Canada banned it in 1996.
For more information on the phase of Lead in gasoline: Please read this article.
Did you know, Algeria was the last country to finally ban leaded gasoline, but it wasn’t until 2021!
Use the slider at the bottom of the Map to see how and when lead was phased out of on road fuels!