Catalytic Converters: an Answer from Technology

At a cost of $50-100 and weighing about 10-30 lb, catalytic converters must gain general acceptance. The auto industry has chosen the converters for 1975, but concerns still remain: increased cost per gallon of unleaded gasoline; supply of unleaded gasoline; possible health hazard contributed by sulfuric acid; odor from traces of hydrogen sulfide; and cost of replacing the catalyst after the end of the warranty, which covers one replacement within the first 50,000 MI. Emission control characteristics, costs, and problems of the converter are reviewed.