The EPA will soon make a determination on whether lead in aviation gas poses a threat to public health. The agency announced in a April 20, 2010 press release that it is requesting comment on data available for evaluating emissions and potential exposure to lead in gas used in piston-engine aircraft.

The advanced notice of proposed rulemaking being announced today describes the data that are currently available and being collected that would help evaluate health impacts from piston-engine aircraft emissions. This action describes considerations regarding emission engine standards and requests comment on approaches for transitioning the piston-engine fleet to unleaded gas.

According to the agency, lead emissions from aviation gasoline accounts for about half the nation's lead inventory. There are about 20,000 airport, heliports, and similar facilities nationwide that use leaded gasoline.

This action will be open for comment through June 22, 2010. The agency will review comments and make a determination as to whether aircraft lead emissions cause or contribute to air pollution, which may reasonably be expected to endanger public health or welfare. By law, the EPA in consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration would be required to issue standards if a positive finding were made.

Click here for more information about the potential rule.