Re: CHAT: Southern word

In a message dated 3/25/2000 8:12:46 PM Eastern Standard Time,
cowan@LOCKE.CCIL.ORG writes:

<< "Unleaded", specifically, lacking in tetraethyl lead, an
 additive mixed with gasoline for many years, but now banned
 in the U.S. because it added to the risk of lead poisoning. >>
  An interesting story on "All Things Considered" the other night-- turns out
the good people at DuPont and Genl.Motors were responsible.  In early days,
apparently, the lead additive jazzed up the octane of the gasoline.  Much
more importantly, GM/DuPont, as patent owners, got something like a penny or
two for every gallon sold.  Quite aside from dumping lead into the
environment, the additive fouled the spark plugs, cylinders and the oil; now
that gasoline no longer contains lead, lo and behold, we can go much longer
between oil changes and tune-ups, and engines routinely last for well over
100,000 miles, which they didn't do in my youth.  So said ATC.
    Some of you may have  heard "unleaded" used for decaf coffee; regular
coffee, of course, is "leaded".  First heard by me back in the Carter days,
when CB radios and truckers' lingo were all the rage-- probably the source.