The fuel-characteristics of a particular gasoline-blend, which will resist igniting too early are measured as the octane rating of the fuel blend. Gasoline blends with stable octane ratings are produced in several fuel-grades for different types of motors. A low octane rated fuel may cause engine knocking and reduced efficiency in reciprocating engines. Tetraethyl lead and other lead compounds were once widely used as additives to increase the octane rating, but are not used in modern automotive gasoline due to the extreme health hazard, except in aviation, off-road motor vehicles, and racing car motors.[2][3] The additive continued to be used in low-income countries for decades after others had phased it out, leading the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to launch a campaign to eliminate its use. This campaign finally led to Algeria being the last country to stop its use in 2021.
Gasoline can be released into the Earth's environment as an uncombusted liquid fuel, as a flammable liquid, or as a vapor by way of leakages occurring during its production, handling, transport and delivery.[4] Gasoline contains known carcinogens.[5][6][7] Gasoline is often used as a recreational inhalant and can be harmful or fatal when used in such a manner.[8] When burned, one liter (0.26 U.S. gal) of gasoline emits about 2.3 kilograms (5.1 lb) of CO2, a greenhouse gas, contributing to human-caused climate change.[9][10] Oil products, including gasoline, were responsible for about 32% of CO2 emissions worldwide in 2021.[11]
On average, U.S. petroleum refineries produce about 19 to 20 gallons of gasoline, 11 to 13 gallons of distillate fuel diesel fuel and 3 to 4 gallons of jet fuel from each 42 gallon (152 liters) barrel of crude oil. The product ratio depends upon the processing in an oil refinery and the crude oil assay[12] (see § Etymology).
^Gary, James H.; Handwerk, Glenn E. (2001). Petroleum refining: technology and economics (4. ed.). New York Basel: Dekker. p. 1. ISBN978-0-8247-0482-7.
^Mehlman, MA (1990). "Dangerous properties of petroleum-refining products: carcinogenicity of motor fuels (gasoline)". Teratogenesis, Carcinogenesis, and Mutagenesis. 10 (5): 399–408. doi:10.1002/tcm.1770100505. ISSN2472-1727. PMID1981951.
^Baumbach, JI; Sielemann, S; Xie, Z; Schmidt, H (15 March 2003). "Detection of the gasoline components methyl tert-butyl ether, benzene, toluene, and m-xylene using ion mobility spectrometers with a radioactive and UV ionization source". Analytical Chemistry. 75 (6): 1483–90. doi:10.1021/ac020342i. PMID12659213.
^"Gasoline Sniffing". HealthyChildren.org. Archived from the original on 11 March 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
^Ritchie, Hannah; Roser, Max; Rosado, Pablo (11 May 2020). "CO₂ and Greenhouse Gas Emissions". Our World in Data. Global Change Data Lab. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.