Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 1

Written Answers. - Air Pollution.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

241 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to any studies which suggest that the aromatics which replace lead in unleaded petrol are carcinogens; and if his attention has been further drawn to the fact there are carcinogens in emissions from unleaded petrol and that unleaded petrol is therefore more damaging to the environment than leaded petrol. [19840/99]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. D. Wallace)

I refer to the answer to Question No. 71 of 19 November, 1998. I am not aware of any studies of the type referred to by the Deputy.

New environmental specifications for petrol and diesel fuels required by the EU auto oil programme will significantly improve fuel quality as regards benzene and aromatics, reduce vehicle emissions and facilitate the maintenance and improvement of ambient air quality.