That was one of the major points of the novel (IMHO).

"What if ..." Something that Science Fiction is best at.

"Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether Or Not They Could, They Didn't Stop To Think If They Should." -- Ian Malcom (Jurassic Park)

Leaded additives to gasoline came to mind as one problem that needed to be halted sooner.

Leaded gasoline was NOT a scientific invention. Leaded gasoline was chosen by the bean counters because it was cheaper.