EPA Proposes Endangerment Finding for Lead Emissions from Aircraft Engines that Operate on Leaded Fuel

EPA Proposes Endangerment Finding for Lead Emissions from Aircraft Engines
that Operate on Leaded Fuel


Proposed Endangerment Finding, if finalized, is an important step forward to
address the largest remaining source of lead pollution to air



 

WASHINGTON (October 7, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) announced a proposed determination that emissions of lead from
aircraft that operate on leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution that
may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare. Under the
Clean Air Act, EPA reviews information on air pollutants and sources of air
pollution to determine whether they threaten human health or welfare. This is
referred to as an “endangerment finding�?? – a first step in using EPA’s
authority to address this source of lead pollution.


"When it comes to our children the science is clear, exposure to lead can
cause irreversible and life-long health effects,�?? said EPA Administrator
Michael S. Regan. “Aircraft that use leaded fuel are the dominant source of
lead emissions to air in the country.Today’s proposal is an important step
forward as we work to reduce lead exposure and protect children’s health.�??


While levels of airborne lead in the United States have declined 99 percent
since 1980, aircraft that operate on leaded fuel are the largest remaining
source of lead emissions into the air. The majority of aircraft that operate
on leaded aviation gasoline are piston-engine aircraft. These are typically
small aircraft that carry 2-10 passengers. Jet aircraft used for commercial
transport do not operate on a fuel containing lead.


This proposed endangerment finding will undergo public notice and comment, and
after evaluating comments on the proposal, EPA plans to issue any final
endangerment finding in 2023. EPA is not proposing aircraft engine lead
emission standards with this action. EPA’s consideration of endangerment is
a first step toward application of EPA’s authority to address lead
pollution. If the proposed finding is finalized, EPA would subsequently
propose regulatory standards for lead emissions from aircraft engines.


Lead exposure can come from multiple sources, including leaded paint,
contaminated soil, industrial emissions from battery recycling or metals
processing, and the combustion of fuel or waste containing lead. Children’s
exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects. No safe
blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in
blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic
achievement. In adults, health impacts from lead exposure can include
cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure and incidence of
hypertension, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues.


 


The Biden-Harris Administration has taken major steps toward the safe
replacement of leaded aviation gas. Earlier this year, the FAA and aviation
and energy industries announced the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions
(EAGLE) initiative, an effort to transition piston-engine aircraft to unleaded
fuel. Already, the FAA has approved the safe use of an unleaded fuel that can
be used in a large number of piston-engine aircraft, along with other unleaded
fuels for specific aircraft.


Learn more about EPA’s proposed endangerment finding here.