Thomas Midgley
What were Thomas Midgley's two big inventions?
Leaded gasoline and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
What is the biggest harm of leaded gasoline?
Why are CFCs so harmful?
They deplete the ozone layer
Name one harmful side effect of one of Thomas Midgley's inventions.
Leaded gas: created pollution, caused lead poisoning, elevated blood pressure, kidney damage, impaired development in children, and death. CFCs: depleted the ozone layer
How did Midgley die?
Suicide
What problem was Midgley trying to solve where cars would rattle/ vibrate and suddenly break down?
Engine knocking
Where was the hole in the ozone layer discovered over?
Antarctica
How many years is it currently predicted it will take for the ozone layer to recover from CFCs?
40
What nickname was given to Thomas Midgley?
“The Most Harmful Inventor in History”
What decade was lead first added to gasoline?
1920s
What does CFC stand for?
Chlorofluorocarbon
What did Midgley call leaded gas instead of mentioning that it contained lead?
Ethyl
What was Thomas Midgley's father's job which first sparked his interest in engineering?
What kind of lead did Midgley discover eliminated engine knocks when added to gasoline?
Tetraethyl
What year were CFCs banned?
1994
How many workers died due to lead exposure in leaded gasoline manufacturing plants?
15 (at least)
During his research on leaded gasoline, Midgley had to take a break to recover from what?
Lead poisoning
List 2 of the biggest harms to humans caused by leaded gas
Lead poisoning, elevated blood pressure, kidney damage, and impaired development in children
What 4 chemical elements make up CFCs?
Carbon, hydrogen, fluorine, and chlorine
What did Midgley do in front of gov officials to 'prove the safety' of his invention?
Wash his hands with leaded gas