Most toxic metal pollutant of automobile exhaust is which of the following?

The correct answer is Lead.

Key Points

• Lead is a major toxic metal pollutant found in automobile exhaust.
• It is primarily emitted from vehicles using leaded gasoline.
• Lead exposure can cause severe health issues, including neurological damage, particularly in children.
• Due to its toxicity, many countries have phased out leaded gasoline to reduce environmental and health impacts.

Additional Information

• Health Effects of Lead:
  • Lead poisoning can result in cognitive impairments, behavioral changes, and reduced IQ in children.
  • In adults, it can cause hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive issues.
• Sources of Lead Pollution:
  • Besides automobile exhaust, other sources include industrial emissions, lead-based paints, and contaminated water.
• Phasing Out Leaded Gasoline:
  • Most countries have banned or phased out the use of leaded gasoline due to its severe health impacts.
  • Alternatives like unleaded gasoline and catalytic converters are now commonly used to reduce lead emissions.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Lead can persist in the environment, contaminating soil and water sources, leading to long-term ecological damage.