Getting the Lead Out of Aviation Fuel

Avgas, as aviation fuel is commonly known, is the single largest source of lead emissions in the nation.

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Case Overview

The word “unleaded” is ubiquitous at gas stations across the nation, thanks to the successful campaign to purge gasoline of toxic lead by the mid-1990s. Unfortunately, aviation fuel hasn’t received the same attention.

Avgas, as aviation fuel is commonly known, is the single largest source of lead emissions in the nation. There is no safe threshold for lead exposure. The EPA estimates that 16 million people live and 3 million children attend school near the 22,000 airports where avgas may be in use.

In 2006, Friends of the Earth petitioned the EPA, requesting that the agency make a determination that lead in avgas contributes to air pollution that may threaten human health and welfare. After six years of inaction, Earthjustice filed suit in 2012 to force the agency to deal with this public health problem. In 2014, the groups again petitioned EPA to declare that lead in aviation fuel is a danger to the public.

A small private plane tied down next to the runway at a regional airport.
Leaded gas used in small airplanes (commonly referred to as “avgas”) is the single largest source of lead emissions in the country. (Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)

Case Updates

October 7, 2022 Press Release: Victory

EPA proposes “endangerment finding” of leaded aviation gasoline

Proposal marks first official step to regulating leaded aviation fuel, the top cause of lead in the air in the country 

July 29, 2022 Press Release

Earthjustice praises Congressional oversight of lead in aviation fuel

Most lead air pollution in the country comes from piston-engine aircrafts

January 12, 2022 Press Release: Victory

EPA commits to regulating lead in aviation gasoline

Most lead air pollution in the country comes from piston-engine aircrafts