Which metal causes neurological disorders and was once emitted from gasoline?
Lead was historically added to petrol as tetraethyl lead to improve engine performance. Combustion released lead-containing particles that contaminated urban air, soil, and dust. Lead interferes with enzymes, synaptic development, haem synthesis, and calcium-dependent signalling; children are especially vulnerable to cognitive and behavioural impairment. Mercury, arsenic, and cadmium are toxic metals, but they were not the characteristic antiknock petrol additive. Atmospheric inversions can trap contaminants near the surface, while wind, turbulence, precipitation, and chemical transformation d
Ref: Campbell Biology, Urry et al., 12th Ed., Unit 8 Ecology