China Steps On Gas

Beijing, where the bicycle is still a common mode of transportation, will ban the sale of leaded gasoline starting today, continuing a June 1 measure enforced in other areas. Auto emissions and use of coal make Beijing one of the smoggiest cities in the world, the U.N. Environment Program said. A World Bank report said that while Beijing has only one-tenth the number of cars as Los Angeles, its auto emissions are almost as great. A recent study showed 70 percent of the city’s children had elevated levels of lead in their blood, which can leave them more susceptible to diseases and stunt intellectual development.