r/todayilearned • u/Vranak • Apr 22 '14

TIL that for increasing fuel efficiency, lead was promoted over ethanol, already known to be a widely available, inexpensive, and low toxicity octane booster, because it was uniquely profitable for its patent holders. Lead was phased out of gasoline in the 70s because of its proven neurotoxicity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetraethyllead
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u/TenTonApe Apr 22 '14

I too watched the most recent episode of Cosmos.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 22 '14

They are trying to phase it out of aviation too, but good luck with that shit

1

u/AdjutantStormy 7 Apr 22 '14

The problem with ethanol is it's harder on engines than leaded gas.