Lead paint creates serious health risks, but this ad is from 1939, when lead in paint was normal. Many countries phased in bans starting in the 1970s or 80s, mandating lower and lower concentrations over time, or restricting permissible uses, or both. Some countries still allow unrestricted use of lead paint in 2026.
Lead exposure is very bad for anyone, especially children. Unlike certain other toxins, there's no known safe level of exposure, and it bioaccumulates. There are many other routes into the body besides paint, and some are associated with increased crime rates and intellectual deficits in children.
They could blend ethanol to get the higher octane, but nah.
The FAA has approved a zero lead option but the GA pilots (rich old guys) don’t want to risk anything new in the 40-60 year old engines.
Ethanol isn’t great though since it attacks seals and fuel pump membranes and those planes sit still a lot, especially during winters.