How much did removing lead from gasoline reduce its emissions?

Removing lead from gasoline significantly reduced its emissions by approximately 94%. This dramatic decrease can be attributed to the fact that leaded gasoline was a primary source of lead pollution in the atmosphere for decades. As vehicles burned leaded fuel, lead particles were released into the air, contributing to environmental and health issues such as lead poisoning. The phase-out of leaded gasoline, which began in the late 1970s and was largely completed by the early 1990s, resulted in a substantial reduction in these harmful emissions, leading to cleaner air and improved public health outcomes.

The nearly total elimination of lead emissions from the transportation sector underscores the effectiveness of regulatory measures aimed at reducing pollutants and serves as an important example of environmental policy's positive impact on public health. This 94% reduction is striking and illustrates the importance of transitioning away from leaded gasoline, reflecting the comprehensive efforts made by governments and regulatory agencies to address environmental contamination.