CARBONDALE — Researchers in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Aviation could help spur the adoption of an unleaded fuel for general aviation piston aircraft both in the United States and worldwide, reducing the toxic metal’s presence in the environment.

Lead was added to gasoline in the 1920s to increase octane and eliminate engine knock. Because of the health hazards associated with lead, the Environmental Protection Agency required leaded gasoline to be phased out over 20 years starting in 1973. Automakers were able to move away from leaded fuel because cars and trucks typically use 80- to 90-octane fuel components. Piston aircraft pilots couldn’t make the transition at that time, however, because there has been nothing to replace the 100-motor octane gasoline required

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