Unleaded: How Changing Our Gasoline Changed Everything

The book "Unleaded" explores how the U.S. government allowed the use of leaded gasoline for over half a century, leading to a nationwide epidemic of lead poisoning. It reveals how scientific experts paid by the oil and mining industries abused their authority to convince the public that leaded gasoline was harmless, and how this exposure affects the developing brains of children and is linked to social problems. The book highlights the importance of sound science and strong environmental regulations to protect vulnerable populations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2021
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

In the 1920s, when leaded gasoline was first developed, medical experts swiftly raised concerns about the public health catastrophes it would bring. However, government regulators chose to disregard their advice, resulting in the widespread use of leaded gasoline for over half a century. This decision contributed to a nationwide epidemic of lead poisoning, affecting millions of Americans. By the 1970s, a staggering 99.8% of American children had significantly elevated levels of lead in their blood, posing a severe threat to their health and development.

Unleaded: The Battle Against Lead Additives in Gasoline is a compelling account of how a group of dedicated scientists and activists successfully campaigned for the banning of lead additives in gasoline. The film reveals how, for nearly fifty years, scientific experts who were paid by the oil and mining industries manipulated their authority to convince the public that leaded gasoline was perfectly harmless. Combining environmental history, sociology, and neuroscience, Carrie Nielsen delves into the profound effects of lead exposure on the developing brains of children, linking it to social problems such as academic failure, teen pregnancies, and violent crime.

The film also highlights the ongoing struggle of poor and minority communities, as well as communities of color, across the United States to combat dangerously high lead levels. Despite the widespread outrage over Flint's polluted water, many of these communities continue to face the devastating consequences of lead poisoning, perpetuating a cycle of health disparities and social inequality.

Unleaded serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sound science and strong environmental regulations in protecting our nations most vulnerable populations. It underscores the need for policymakers to prioritize the health and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status or race. By taking action to reduce lead exposure and promote environmental sustainability, we can create a safer and healthier future for generations to come.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978821002