Effects on minority and low-income households of the EPA proposal to reduce leaded gasoline use
To reduce the potentially harmful environmental effects of lead in the environment, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a reduction in the amount of lead used in leaded gasoline. This report examines the potential impacts of such action on minority and low-income households in the US. The benefits of the EPA's proposal would presumably accrue primarily to households that contain small children and that are located in the central cities of metropolitan areas. This is because small children (under age seven) are particularly susceptible to the effects of lead and also because the automobile traffic density in central cities is higher than in any other area. Potential costs are examined in terms of households that own vehicles requiring leaded gasoline. Costs could accrue either because of higher gasoline prices due to reduced lead content or because of higher vehicle repair costs for engines that must use leaded gasoline to prevent excessive wear. Because of their location and number, minority and low-income households with small children would benefit more than the average US household. No costs would be incurred by the relatively large segment of minority and low-income households that own no vehicles. However, the Hispanic and other minority (except black) and low-income households that do own vehicles have a greater than average share of vehicles that require leaded gasoline; costs to these households because of the EPA's proposed action would be comparatively high.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 5035014
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/EES-TM-289; ON: DE86001873
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
330800* -- Emission Control-- Alternative Fuels
AGE GROUPS
ALLOYS
AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
CHILDREN
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
FUELS
GASOLINE
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
LEAD ADDITIONS
LEAD ALLOYS
LIQUID FUELS
LOW INCOME GROUPS
MINORITY GROUPS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POPULATIONS
REGULATIONS
US EPA
US ORGANIZATIONS