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Description - Figure 3 - Lead Risk Management Strategy for Lead

Figure 3. Trend in Canadian lead emissions from 1970 to 2009

Graph showing reduction in atmospheric lead emissions in Canada from 1970 to 2009 with a focus on activities targeting leaded gasoline. Emissions in 1970 were over 21,000 metric tonnes and have declined continually to approximately 1,300 tonnes in 1990 due primarily to the phase out of lead in gasoline and other lead use restrictions. The detailed insert shows that from 1990 to 2009 lead emissions continued to generally decrease to about 260 tonnes due to reduction measures.

1970 - Lead emissions were over 21,000 metric tonnes (21,000,000 kilograms)
Early 1970s - Catalytic converters were introduced
1972 - Introduction of unleaded fuel
1977 - Lead emissions were approximately 14,500 metric tonnes (14,500,000 kilograms)
1984 - Lead emissions were nearly 10,000 metric tonnes (10,000,000 kilograms)
1990 - Gasoline Regulations enter into force; lead emissions were approximately 1,300 metric tonnes (1,300,000 kilograms)
2009 - Lead emissions were approximately 260 metric tonnes (260,000 kilograms)