The Environmental Impact of Leaded Gasoline in Venezuela

Abstract

The continued sale of only leaded gasoline in Venezuela by the state-owned petroleum company (PDVSA) has caused significant adverse health effects for a large segment of society. Despite producing and exporting unleaded gasoline, PDVSA imports lead additives. Although the Venezuelangovernment has pledged to offer unleaded gasoline for its internal market, this will not occur in the foreseeable future and both the economic and health costs are likely to be large.