| Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is one of various | | | | and urine, for up to two days after contact. |
| additives used to oxygenate gasoline. These | | | | While not considered as dangerous as Benzene (an |
| substances are blended with gasoline to reduce | | | | element that MTBE replaces in gasoline) MTBE is a |
| carbon dioxide emissions (MTBE also reduces other | | | | carcinogen at high enough exposure levels, as shown |
| toxic chemical compounds in vehicle emissions). MTBE | | | | by laboratory experiments on animals conducted by |
| has been in use since 1979, primarily in response to the | | | | the CDC. However, no governmental bodies have |
| diminishing use of lead in gasoline. | | | | claimed to find sufficient evidence to recognize MTBE |
| In 1990, with the passage of the Clean Air Act | | | | as a possible human carcinogen. Part of this reasoning |
| Amendments (specifically Section 211), the use of | | | | is that it is eventually broken down and removed from |
| oxygenated gas was required in areas with excessive | | | | the body, thus long term accumulation is not a risk. |
| levels of CO air pollution. These areas were primarily | | | | Since humans do not encounter MTBE as a separate |
| urban, meaning that huge numbers of individuals have | | | | entity from gasoline, very few concrete conclusions |
| been exposed to MTBE. The positive aspect of the | | | | have been drawn since a causal relationship cannot be |
| blend of gasoline and MTBE (which is highly flammable) | | | | adequately established between the chemical and |
| is that it allows a much cleaner burn and less | | | | health conditions. |
| environmentally harmful emissions. Of the reformulated | | | | Specifically, the Agency for Toxic Substances and |
| gasoline (RFG) mandated by this act, over 85% | | | | Disease Registry (ATSDR) has still reserved a |
| contain MTBE. | | | | definitive judgment on the adverse health effects of |
| According to the Environmental Protection Agency | | | | MTBE. Many other studies have been conducted |
| (EPA), although the use of MTBE appears noble, its | | | | though and indicate that the following are symptoms |
| use has caused many health and safety concerns for | | | | found after contact with MTBE. |
| people who are exposed to it. | | | | Symptoms from inhalation include: |
| Not only can individuals suffer health risks by inhaling | | | | * Headaches |
| MTBE, but the contamination of potable water stores, | | | | * Cough |
| and thus ingestion, are other very real concerns. Water | | | | * Nose or throat burning |
| contamination can happen through the leakage from | | | | * Other respiratory irritation |
| gasoline storage or transport units, most of which are | | | | * Lightheadedness |
| located underground. | | | | * Eye irritation |
| MTBE has a very high level of solubility and there have | | | | * Nausea |
| been many incidences of water contamination all over | | | | * Vomiting |
| the country, especially in places of high population | | | | * Dizziness, "spaciness" or disorientation |
| density (such as California and New England). While | | | | Possible health issues resulting from ingestion or dermal |
| MTBE is absorbed quickly into water, it is not similarly | | | | contact (i.e. drinking, swimming or showering) include: |
| easy to separate from water as it is not readily | | | | * Gastrointestinal irritation |
| biodegradable. On the other hand, in air, it quickly | | | | * Liver and kidney damage and possibly liver and |
| evaporates and produces a vapor which has a very | | | | kidney cancer |
| distinct, unpleasant odor. Breathing this vapor can result | | | | * Nervous system effects ranging from hyperactivity |
| in discomfort as described below under symptoms. | | | | andincoordination to convulsions and unconsciousness |
| The National Center for Environmental Health (a | | | | * Risks to healthy fetal development |
| branch of the Centers for Disease Control) suggests | | | | Obviously, at the expense of the health of the general |
| that people who concerned about overexposure to | | | | public, requiring oxygenating additives in gasoline has |
| MTBE through inhalation or water contamination | | | | been a mixed blessing. Indeed, before the federal |
| contact a state drinking water agency immediately. | | | | government suggested the use of MTBE, and before |
| Potential exposure is at times identified by the strong | | | | gas and oil companies began adding it, more research |
| smell and may or may not be indicative of harmful | | | | should have been done as to its effects on the |
| levels. Exposure to MTBE can be confirmed because | | | | environment and human health. |
| it is detectable in the bloodstream, as well as breath | | | | |