Leaded gasoline phased out in Metro

Take a deep breath.

Starting tomorrow, leaded gasoline will be phased out in Metro Manila pumping stations to pave the way for the implementation of the Clean Air Act in July, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said yesterday.

"The quality of the air in Metro Manila will improve. Lead content, in particular, will be minimized," said Arnel Manresa, head of the DOTC road planning division.

However, Manresa pointed out that gas stations in the provinces still have until the end of the year to sell their remaining supply of leaded fuel.

The phaseout of leaded gasoline had originally been scheduled for next year but was advanced by a memorandum of agreement between oil suppliers and concerned government agencies. The lead agency in monitoring the use of leaded fuel is the Department of Energy.

Although there are no sanctions for gas stations that do not adhere to the program, Manresa was optimistic that the phaseout would be successful.

"Business sense dictates that stations do away with leaded gasoline. For one, they will pay a lower specific tax for unleaded fuel," he said. "In fact, most motorists have already shifted to unleaded."

Studies have consistently shown that the leading cause of pollution in Metro Manila are motor vehicles which use leaded gasoline. Lead has been found to be a cause of retardation and brain damage, especially in children.

From 1990 to 1998, the average concentration of total suspended particulates (TSP) in Metro Manila was within the guideline value for a 24-hour sampling period. There were instances, however, when the guideline value in Makati, Quezon City, Valenzuela and along EDSA had been exceeded, with TSP levels ranging from "poor" to "unhealthy."

Last year, the worsening quality of the country's air prompted legislators to finally pass the Clean Air Act, which included a provision on the upgrading of fuel quality.

The law also requires all industrial firms and motor vehicles to be equipped with anti-pollution devices.

Manresa said the Clean Air Act will be fully implemented in July, when the implementing rules and regulations are expected to be completed.

Aside from lead, other air pollutants are carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. These cause eye and throat irritations, impairment of the ability to carry oxygen, cardiovascular and pulmonary ailments, and reduced resistance to lung infection. -