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Environment



AmeriScan: July 25, 2000

EPA PROPOSES LIMITING BENZENE IN GASOLINE

WASHINGTON, DC, July 25, 2000 (ENS) - The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is proposing to set maximum limits on the amount of benzene, a
known human carcinogen, in conventional gasoline and cleaner-burning
reformulated gasoline. The proposed standards would require refiners to
maintain their average 1998-1999 benzene levels. As a result of EPA's clean
air programs that have produced cleaner cars and cleaner burning gasoline,
benzene levels nationwide in urban areas decreased 39 percent between 1993
and 1998. Some cities that use cleaner burning gasoline have seen even
greater reductions. For example, benzene levels in Milwaukee, Houston and
Los Angeles decreased between 44 and 52 percent.

This proposal will ensure that the positive steps we have already taken to
reduce benzene levels continue and at negligible cost. Because motor
vehicles emit a variety of pollutants such as benzene that can cause cancer
and other adverse health effects, EPA plans to continue to evaluate
emissions of these pollutants to ensure adequate protection of public health
and the environment. There will be a public hearing on the proposal in
Detroit, Michigan on August 21, followed by a 30 day public comment period.
For more information on this proposal and other transportation and air
quality issues visit: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/toxics.htm.


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Lic. Jorge Hinestroza (Mg)
Docente e Investigador del
Departamento de Ciencias Humanas
Unidad de Antropologia
Facultad de Ciencias
La Universidad del Zulia
MARACAIBO - VENEZUELA.