DESPITE widespread apprehensions about its potential health hazards, super-unleaded petrol is set to stay in the UK. In late March, the British govemment rejected the calls bya group of mps to ban the sale of unleaded petrol, which accounts for around 6 per cent of petrol sales in the country. Transport minister Steven Norris said unequivocally, "If your car can use unleaded fuel, then do so. If it can't, then take it to your garage and see if they can make the necessary adjustments."

However, it seems impossible to wish away the fears about the damaging effects of super-unleaded petrol. A transport select committee report suggests that the petrol contains aromatic substances, like benzene, which ig linked to cancer. To offset this danger, the government intends to adopt a new target for ambient benzene levels.