Toxic gasoline additives pose serious health risks to children and adults
Gasoline isn’t just a fuel for your car; it’s a cocktail of toxic chemicals, and many of them are far more dangerous than most Americans realize. The reality is grim: the deadly carcinogens in gasoline are linked to an array of health issues, from respiratory problems and cancer to neurological damage. But, there’s a growing movement to reduce these toxins, and it’s gaining traction thanks to innovative alternatives like ethanol.
Thirty-five years ago, Nebraskans were first made aware of these toxic compounds, largely thanks to then-President George H.W. Bush. During his visit to Lincoln to promote his 1990 Clean Air Act, he spoke about the hazards of gasoline additives, many of which are carcinogenic. At that time, the world of fuel was on the brink of change. President Bush’s bold push led to significant steps in eliminating harmful chemicals from gasoline. But while things have improved, the fight isn’t over yet.
The dangerous reality of gasoline carcinogens
Many of us don’t think twice about the gasoline we put in our cars. But the reality is that every gallon contains deadly compounds that can do more than just dirty the air. These carcinogens—so small they can bypass our lungs—enter directly into our bloodstream, where they target organs, even the placenta in pregnant women. This means that these dangerous chemicals can harm both children and adults alike.
The most dangerous air toxics in gasoline are not only linked to cancers, but also have associations with neurological conditions like autism and dementia. The impact is widespread, touching every part of society, from school children to workers in industries relying on gasoline-powered vehicles.
In fact, some studies suggest that children are especially vulnerable. Their developing bodies absorb toxins more efficiently, and the long-term effects of exposure can be devastating. So, why aren’t we doing more to protect them?
- Gasoline carcinogens are linked to:
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Autism
- Dementia
- Developmental issues in children
The question we should all be asking is: What can be done to protect future generations?
Ethanol’s potential to replace harmful gasoline additives
The answer lies in ethanol. Corn ethanol, in particular, has the potential to replace some of the most harmful compounds in gasoline. Historically, the petroleum industry preferred using oil-based additives because they were cheap to produce. However, these additives come at a severe cost to human health and the environment.
President George H.W. Bush was pivotal in advocating for the substitution of ethanol for these carcinogenic compounds. His push was critical in setting the stage for the 1990 Clean Air Act, which mandated reductions in air toxics caused by gasoline. Over the years, this legislation has been reinforced and expanded, including the introduction of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2005.
The RFS encouraged the use of more ethanol, which, while controversial in some circles, has shown significant potential. Even with resistance from the petroleum industry and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ethanol industry has made huge strides. As of 2025, the U.S. produces 20 billion gallons of ethanol annually, with 15% of that being exported.
Ethanol blends higher than 10% have been met with resistance, but their benefits are becoming more apparent. Nebraska, for example, has seen success with higher ethanol blends, such as E30. This blend not only works better in terms of performance, but it’s also a cheaper and cleaner alternative to gasoline.
Ethanol: A promising alternative to gasoline
The growing use of ethanol in place of gasoline has sparked a wave of optimism. The ethanol industry has been proving that higher ethanol blends, like E30, not only work—they perform better than regular gasoline. In 2018, the state of Nebraska began using E30 in government vehicles, and the results were impressive. Not only were these vehicles cheaper to operate, but their performance also improved.
While some studies suggest that ethanol may have a larger carbon footprint than gasoline, these conclusions are far from definitive. Many experts, including scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy, have questioned the results of such studies. The real question is whether technology advancements can make ethanol a true “zero-carbon fuel” by 2035, as many experts predict.
Ethanol’s benefits aren’t just in reducing the harmful chemicals in gasoline. It offers a higher-octane alternative, meaning it’s less prone to engine knock, a problem with conventional gasoline. The higher the ethanol content in fuel, the better it can perform in modern engines, which are increasingly designed to run on higher-octane fuels. E30 could be the future of fuel, and it’s something that the U.S. should embrace more fully.
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