Children living near airport found to have raised lead levels in blood
Children living near airports for small aircraft that use leaded fuel may have concerning levels of lead in their blood.
Lead used to be added to vehicle fuel to improve engine performance. By the mid-20th century, it was realised that lead in the environment has harmful effects on human health, including killing brain cells, with young children particularly vulnerable.
As a result, lead was phased out of fuel for most vehicles and removed from household substances, such as paint.
But in most countries, including the UK and US, small aircraft were allowed to continue using leaded fuel. Today, these aircraft are responsible for two-thirds of lead pollution in the US.
https://www.newscientist.com/article...vels-in-blood/