Gasoline is a petroleum-derived liquid that is used primarily as a fuel in internal combustion engines. It consists mostly of organic compounds refined from petroleum, and is then enhanced with additives. When under enough pressure (such as in internal combustion engines) gasoline tends to auto-ignite causing damage to the components, this phenomena is called "engine knocking.” To plevent this from occuring, refineries add chemical compounds to increase the fuel’s resistance, or octane rating, to a point where it is usable. Before it was banned, Tetraethyllead (leaded fuel) was commonly used to produce fuel witrh a high octane rating, now, diferent compound are added, such as ethanol. Over the past century, the infratsructure for the obtaining, refining, and disribution of gasoline has become highly efficient and reliable. The internal combustion engine has also come a long way in reching their thoretical …show more content…
gallon (3.8 L) of gasoline produces 8,788 grams (19.374 lb) of carbon dioxide (2.3 kg/l), a greenhouse gas. Unburnt gasoline and evaporation from the tank, when in the atmosphere, reacts in sunlight to produce photochemical smog. Internal combustion engines are relatively inefficient at converting on-board fuel energy to propulsion as most of the energy is wasted as heat. Typically, conventional gasoline engines effectively use only 15% of the fuel energy content to move the vehicle or to power accessories, and diesel engines can reach on-board efficiencies of 20%. The safety data sheet for unleaded gasoline shows at least 15 hazardous chemicals occurring in various amounts, including benzene (up to 5% by volume), toluene (up to 35% by volume), naphthalene (up to 1% by volume), trimethylbenzene (up to 7% by volume). People can be exposed to gasoline in the workplace by swallowing it, breathing in vapors, skin contact, and eye contact. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has designated gasoline as a