RP to phase out leaded gasoline

RP to phase out leaded gasoline

MANILA (DPA): President Fidel Ramos signed yesterday an
executive order phasing out leaded gasoline throughout the
Philippines by the end of the century to combat worsening air
pollution.

Ramos said the move was "very timely" with the country
experiencing environmental havoc from El Nio and the haze from
raging Indonesian forest fires.

"Lead affects virtually every part of the body and has long
been recognized as a neurotoxin with deleterious effects on
intelligence," Ramos said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in
coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry will
implement the phase out "provided that unleaded gasoline and
other unleaded replacements shall not result in the aggravation
of pollution problems" and pose undue economic difficulties,
Ramos said.