Source

Lead is a heavy metal that is used to make water pipes, but most lead comes from emission of cars. A lead compound, tetraethyl lead(IV) [TEL, (C₂H₅)₄Pb] is added to petrol acts as an anti-knock agent so as to assist the even burning of fuel inside the engine. The combustion of this leaded petrol deposits metallic lead and lead(II) oxide in the engine surface. So some 'lead scavenger' like 1,2-dibromoethane is also added to petrol. This converts the lead into volatile lead(II) bromide that carries away in the exhaust.

Health Effects

Each year, around 50 000 tonnes of lead is released to the atmosphere by UK. Much of this is deposited close to roads. The remains would be absorbed by the lungs that cause the following adverse effects:

1. Digestive problems, e.g. intestinal colic
2. Impairing the functioning of the kidney
3. Anaemia
4. Nervous problems, including convulsions
5. Brain damage and mental retardation in children

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