EPA Proposes Endangerment Finding for Lead Emissions from Aircraft Engines that Operate on Leaded Fuel

(Environmental Protection Agency) Proposed Endangerment Finding, if finalized, is an important step forward to address the largest remaining source of lead pollution to air -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed determination that emissions of lead from aircraft that operate on leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA reviews information on air pollutants and sources of air pollution to determine whether they threaten human health or welfare. This is referred to as an “endangerment finding” – a first step in using EPA’s authority to address this source of lead pollution.

"When it comes to our children the science is clear, exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Aircraft that use leaded fuel are the dominant source of lead emissions to air in the country.Today’s proposal is an important step forward as we work to reduce lead exposure and protect children’s health.”

While levels of airborne lead in the United States have declined 99 percent since 1980, aircraft that operate on leaded fuel are the largest remaining source of lead emissions into the air. The majority of aircraft that operate on leaded aviation gasoline are piston-engine aircraft. These are typically small aircraft that carry 2-10 passengers. Jet aircraft used for commercial transport do not operate on a fuel containing lead.

This proposed endangerment finding will undergo public notice and comment, and after evaluating comments on the proposal, EPA plans to issue any final endangerment finding in 2023. EPA is not proposing aircraft engine lead emission standards with this action. EPA’s consideration of endangerment is a first step toward application of EPA’s authority to address lead pollution. If the proposed finding is finalized, EPA would subsequently propose regulatory standards for lead emissions from aircraft engines.

Lead exposure can come from multiple sources, including leaded paint, contaminated soil, industrial emissions from battery recycling or metals processing, and the combustion of fuel or waste containing lead. Children’s exposure to lead can cause irreversible and life-long health effects. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. In adults, health impacts from lead exposure can include cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues.

The Biden-Harris Administration has taken major steps toward the safe replacement of leaded aviation gas. Earlier this year, the FAA and aviation and energy industries announced the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative, an effort to transition piston-engine aircraft to unleaded fuel. Already, the FAA has approved the safe use of an unleaded fuel that can be used in a large number of piston-engine aircraft, along with other unleaded fuels for specific aircraft.

Learn more about EPA’s proposed endangerment finding here.

Additional information regarding FAA’s initiatives to transition safely away from the use of leaded fuels can be found here.

U.S. EPA proposes to declare aviation lead emissions public health danger (Reuters/NASDAQ)

FAA, Industry Chart Path to Eliminate Lead Emissions from General Aviation by the end of 2030 (Federal Aviation Administration)

EPA targets lead airplane fuel, citing children living near runways (Washington Post)

Small airplanes are finally switching to unleaded fuel (Axios)

$10 Million Approved For Unleaded Avgas Evaluation (AvWeb)

Avgas Endangerment Finding Expected This Week (October 18, 2023) (AvWeb)

Excerpt from Axios: Cessnas, Pipers and other small airplanes — now the largest U.S. lead emitters — are on the verge of a historic shift to unleaded fuel.

Why it matters: Lead exposure has been linked to a host of health and developmental issues.

Compared to cars, small airplanes account for a fraction of total emissions. Yet lead's health risks are frequently cited by people seeking to close local airports, which often serve as training grounds for would-be professional pilots — and there's a shortage of those.

What's happening: The FAA recently approved just such a replacement, developed by General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI), for use across the general aviation fleet — without any major, potentially cost-prohibitive aircraft or engine modifications.

What they're saying: The FAA will require GAMI to "work with aircraft owners to track and report any unforeseen mechanical issues that might arise from introducing its fuel into existing fuel systems," deputy administrator Bradley Mims said in a statement.

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