Reducing lead in gasoline: Mexico's experience

Mexico is moving aggressively to reduce lead exposure by mandating the use of catalytic converters and a switch to low-lead and unleaded gasoline. State oil company Petroleos Mexicanos has facilitated this switch by closing refineries that are not equipped with reformers and hydrotreaters. The salutary effects of this policy have already been demonstrated in the US. In Mexico lead reduction is imperative. A recent study of infants born in Mexico City revealed that 75% of them had blood lead levels above 10 ug/dL at 24 months of age.