Unleaded gasoline shortages and fuel switching the potential impact in Southern California

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · J. Air Pollut. Control Assoc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00022470.1979.10470897· OSTI ID:5800773

Heinsheimer, T F; Nevitt, J S; Nazemi, M A

The use of leaded gasoline in automobiles equipped with catalytic converters causes deactivation of the converters and leads to significant increases in emissions of reactive hydrocarbons, a precursor of ozone. Such fuel switching may be a contributing factor to the increase in photochemical smog levels recently observed in the South Coast Air Basin. Based on the existing evidence of misfueling, and the expected increase of emissions as its consequence, it is reasonable to assume that the 8.7% weather-adjusted increase in O/sub 3/ levels is at least partially due to misfueling. Causes and effects of misfueling are analyzed. It is recommended that refinery production be prioritized to supply sufficient unleaded gasoline and that price and vehicle performance incentives which encourage improper use of leaded gasoline be eliminated. A review of the adequacy of state and federal laws governing tampering and misfueling and vigorous annual motor vehicle inspection programs are needed. Comprehensive educational programs are also recommended. (JGB)

• Research Organization: South Coast Air Quality Management District, El Monte, CA
• OSTI ID: 5800773
• Journal Information: J. Air Pollut. Control Assoc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Air Pollut. Control Assoc.; (United States) Vol. 29:10; ISSN JPCAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AUTOMOBILES
CALIFORNIA
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
EFFICIENCY
EQUIPMENT
EXHAUST GASES
FUELS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASOLINE
LEGAL ASPECTS
NORTH AMERICA
OZONE
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
UNLEADED GASOLINE
USA
VARIATIONS
VEHICLES
WASTES
WESTERN REGION