Engelhard Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Catalytic Converters
24 April 2000
ADVISORY/Engelhard Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Catalytic Converters
--Media Alert--For Earth Day Features:
This year marks the 25th anniversary of catalytic converters on automobiles in the U.S., as they were first used on model-year 1975 vehicles. The technology is still acknowledged as the best option for future improvements in air quality.
Arguably the most significant anti-pollution device ever developed, the three-way automotive catalytic converter reduces tailpipe emissions by more than 90 percent. Variations of this technology are now seen as a critical weapon in the ongoing fight against air pollution around the world.
Additional Information:
Important future applications for catalysts include:
| - | Diesel trucks and buses: diesel engines have been identified as major sources of hazardous pollutants. Catalytic technology, along with fuel and engine changes, may make them as clean as today's automobiles. |
| - | Non-road engines: catalysts are being developed for gas-powered garden equipment, boats, trains, construction and farm equipment, even home appliances. These engines are estimated to be the source of some 30 - 60 percent of air pollution in some parts of the United States. |
| - | Developing nations: The catalytic converter is fast becoming a standard component in automobiles, trucks and buses in Asia and South America. Catalyst factories are being built and/or expanded in China, India and Brazil as governments and manufacturers scramble to stem the tide of air pollution that has hobbled many of the principle cities in the developing world. |