Catalytic converter, 1982-1983

A catalytic converter is a large metal box that sits underneath your car. Its job is to convert harmful, toxic fumes produced by your car’s engine into less harmful emissions. In the 1970s there was growing concern over the health risks caused by these fumes. By calculating the statistical risk to our health, mathematicians were able to work out the probability of the fumes causing us harm. Catalytic converters were the answer, as they help reduce the chances of us getting ill by reducing the emissions of toxic fumes. *Enhanced digitisation funded by Samsung, founding partner of the Science Museum Group Digital Lab.*