Algeria became the last country to use leaded petrol, a highly toxic crude product that seems to be no longer relevant in a world transitioning towards carbon neutrality.
The UN has hailed the end of a toxic era, which it called a "catastrophe for the environment and public health". We take a look at what leaded petrol is and why it was so harmful.
What is leaded petrol?
It is petrol that contains tetraethyl lead, an additive present in most of the fuel sold throughout much of the 20th century.
Why was it used?
Tetraethyl lead was added to petrol as an anti-knocking agent – a product used to prevent petrol in high-compression internal combustion engines from igniting early before the correctly timed spark occurs.
Why was it phased out?
Tetraethyl lead was flagged by scientists early on for its toxic properties. In 1922, German scientist Charles Klaus called it a "creeping and malicious poison" and said it had killed one of his fellow scientists. After several assessments of its toxicity and harmful effects on people, the compound began to be phased out in 1974 by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
So, what is used in its place to prevent knocking?
Vehicles now use different types of anti-knocking agents to prevent sudden detonation during engine combustion. Oxygenates such as ethanol are very popular and are blended with petrol to reduce knocking. Other compounds such as aromatics are also used but continue to pose a threat to human life due to the presence of carcinogens.
How can we eliminate poisonous emissions?
Several countries around the world are phasing out conventional combustion engines and encouraging the use of engines that run on electricity to curb harmful emissions. With subsidies and state policies guiding industries towards a carbon-neutral world, the internal combustion engine as we know is set to change for good.
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
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MATCH INFO
Chelsea 0
Liverpool 2 (Mane 50', 54')
Red card: Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Man of the match: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Brief scores:
Everton 2
Walcott 21', Sigurdsson 51'
Tottenham 6
Son 27', 61', Alli 35', Kane 42', 74', Eriksen 48'
Man of the Match: Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
Correspondents
By Tim Murphy
(Grove Press)
SPECS
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Naga
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What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Conservative MPs who have publicly revealed sending letters of no confidence
- Steve Baker
- Peter Bone
- Ben Bradley
- Andrew Bridgen
- Maria Caulfield
- Simon Clarke
- Philip Davies
- Nadine Dorries
- James Duddridge
- Mark Francois
- Chris Green
- Adam Holloway
- Andrea Jenkyns
- Anne-Marie Morris
- Sheryll Murray
- Jacob Rees-Mogg
- Laurence Robertson
- Lee Rowley
- Henry Smith
- Martin Vickers
- John Whittingdale
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
