Black Gold: How Sale of Catalytic Converters Puts Lives in Danger

Catalytic converters are essential for removing up to 98% of the pollutants coming out of a vehicle’s tailpipe, especially tiny particulate matter (known as PM2.5) that can lodge in the lungs and cause severe health complications. In Africa, they are often removed from vehicles as part of a lucrative, black, with implications for climate, health, and even the operation of terrorist groups.