A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and
pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by
catalyzing a redox reaction (an oxidation and a reduction reaction). Catalytic converters are usually used with internal combustion engines fueled by either gasoline or diesel —including
lean-burn engines as well as kerosene heaters and stoves.
The first widespread introduction of catalytic converters was in the United States automobile market. To comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 's stricter regulation of exhaust emissions, most gasoline-powered vehicles starting with the 1975