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No I’m not. I still find it to be an interesting correlation worthwhile for further examination. Would you rule it out entirely? Before there were studies like
by baxtr 8y ago
No I’m not. I still find it to be an interesting correlation worthwhile for further examination. Would you rule it out entirely?
Before there were studies like the ones mentioned in the article people wouldn't believe it for cities like Flint in the states neither. I’m still not 100% convinced that there is causation. But if those studies are no fakes and hold up for repetition then I’d argue that there is some truth behind the theory
- craftyguy 8y ago> Would you rule it out entirely? Yes, unless you have a secret way of ruling out the other much more likely factors (i.e what GP mentioned). You could argue that those countries still use leaded gasoline because the political turmoil/violence within them makes folks prefer the cheaper, easier fuel to produce.
- dTal 8y agoIs it cheaper or easier to produce? The industrial process is difficult and hazardous. An alternative anti-knock agent is ethanol, which you can make at home. Originally, leaded gasoline was pushed by GM because they held the patents.
- craftyguy 8y agoEthanol production competes with citizens for food (how many of those countries using leaded gas have experienced famines recently?). Adding it to gasoline results in a fuel with ~30% less energy per unit, so you'd have to produce more gasoline to get an equivalent amount of energy. https://extension.psu.edu/fuel-ethanol-hero-or-villain https://extension.psu.edu/fuel-ethanol-hero-or-villain
- jabl 8y agoI've read a study (can't find the link, sorry) comparing the cost of various ways of boosting the octane rating. Of all the alternatives (TEL, aromatics, alcohols, ethers, MMT, etc.) TEL was the cheapest. I wonder what fraction of TEL consumption worldwide is due to aviation vs. these few remaining countries that use it in motor gasoline?