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Date Posted: 11:35:29 12/10/02 Tue
Author: Buffy's vampire
Subject: It's no secret the Oz govt is corrupt

The Howard govt lied about the 'children overboard' affair. They lied about the reasons for sending over 500 Aussies to their death in Vietnam. They lied about their receiving advance notice of an intention to bomb Bali. They lied about the three billion dollar investment scame. Now, damning scientific evidence about the dangers to cars, their owners and the environment from ethanol-laced petrol is in a report being withheld by the Federal Government.

Blends of 20 per cent ethanol, sold in about 200 outlets in NSW, cause corrosion of fuel system components, "potentially hazardous" fuel leaks and sharp increases in some pollutant emissions, the report shows.

And while ethanol-blend fuels were slightly cheaper than pure petrol, a car would travel about 7 per cent less distance on a 20 per cent blend, resulting in poorer fuel economy.

The Government received the report three weeks ago, yet continues to insist there is no scientific evidence to justify a legal limit on the amount of ethanol which can be blended, or even compulsory disclosure of ethanol levels in petrol.

The study, commissioned by the Environment Department from the Orbital Engine Company and obtained by the Herald yesterday, reviews scientific research on the effects of high concentrations of ethanol.

It says the additive can cause corrosion of metal parts leading to damage to carburettors, fuel pumps, lines and filters, and petrol tanks. It also causes perishing of plastic and increases emissions of nitrogen oxides and toxic aldehydes.

The corrosion "becomes critical even before the corrosive action damages the part, as the particles of corrosion can plug small openings in the carburettor".

Because of ethanol's solvent action, fuel lines can swell, soften, and lose strength. Plastic and fibre-reinforced parts of fuel systems can become cracked and leak, creating a potential fire or explosion hazard.

It can also cause cold-starting problems, engine "knocking" and slower acceleration.

Car makers, motoring and consumer organisations and the Petroleum Institute have lobbied for a year for a 10 per cent cap on ethanol. Makers will not honour warranties on vehicles run on higher concentrations.

Cabinet documents leaked to the Opposition show that two government departments - Environment and Agriculture, and Fisheries and Forestry - are also pushing for a 10 per cent limit, at least pending further research.

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