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We open with comments from Professor Derek Bryce Smith of Reading University about the health risks posed by lead emissions from cars. Views of traffic and car exhaust pipes (part cut to music) followed by views of children in a school playground situated next to a busy road and shots of children and parents on the street.
Colour archive film (from ATV Today 14 March 1974) showing the MP Denis Howell on a visit to Spaghetti Junction when lead levels in pollution first caused national alarm. Graphic from leaked government memo in the early 1980s that made the link between lead in petrol and the reduced IQ of children. At this point the government told the oil industry to reduce lead levels in petrol. We then see Dr Neil Ward of Surrey University collecting plant samples from alongside the M25 motorway. Interview with Dr Ward about the high levels of lead still found alongside roads despite lead levels in petrol having been reduced. Views of laboratory work to examine samples. The conclusion is that modern petrol may have less lead in it but the particles are finer and therefore more dangerous.
Views of traffic and pedestrians in Birmingham. Interview with Doctor Michael Hilburn who is the chair of the Birmingham Environmental Health Committee about lead levels in the city. We then see Dr Ward as he visits Pleck in Walsall which is known to have very high levels of lead. Dr Ward talks about the high lead levels found in Pleck which can lead to irritability and depression. Interview with Brian Bennett of the Pleck Community Association who describes the figures as shocking. Further views of Pleck and traffic. Professor Derek Bryce Smith and Dr Michael Hilburn return to talk about lead levels in children which hinder brain development and we see a blood sample being taken from a child and young children in a classroom.
Unleaded petrol has been on sale for twelve months but accounts for only one percent of all petrol sales. We see an unleaded sign on a forecourt and views of Texaco tanker lorries being filled. Interview with Peter Cady of Texaco about why petrol contains lead. Later in the film he returns to claim that they cannot make unleaded petrol in bulk above three star quality. He blames the car manufacturers for the slow take-up. Interview with Tony Manning of the Campaign Against Lead in Petrol who disputes the need for lead at all in engines. There are also claims that the oil industry have financial reasons for leaving it in place as it supports a separate lead additive industry. Shots of Friends of the Earth leafleting cars. Interview with Val Stevens from the pressure group about their campaign against lead.
The film ends with further interviews wrapping up the arguments and extra shots of Spaghetti Junction and children in a school playground.
Thanks to Birmingham Environmental Health Department
Narrated by James Bellini
Cameras: Paul Rudge; Charles Pitt
Sound: Phil Middleham; Tim Hughes; Frank Minton
Production Assistants: Jenny Wright; Dolores Shine; Chris Fewlass
Production Secretary: Annie Clarke
Research: Herbert Girardet
Film Editor: Derek Hall
Producer: Vivica Parsons
Director: Nick Davison
Production number 1174/87.