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MTBEMTBE
Question: I have been hearing bad things about a compound in gasoline called "MTBE." What is it, do I get exposed and is it hazardous to my health?
Answer: MTBE is an acronym that stands for methyl tertiary butyl ether. This compound is not naturally occurring component of gasoline. Instead it is an additive which has been used since 1979 in the belief that it would help gasoline burn more smoothly. Starting in 1992 in cooperation with the U.S. EPA, petroleum companies started adding it to gasoline to improve combustion and decrease harmful carbon monoxide emissions from motor vehicles, especially in the winter months. The goal is to improve the air quality in urban areas and to help cities meet the air quality standards set in the 1190 Clean Air Act Amendments.
Critics say that it is a byproduct of the petroleum distillation process, and that oil companies are happy to get the legislatures to make environmental rules to use it, rather than forcing the oil companies to spend money to dispose of the toxic material.
Exposure to MTBE from gasoline can occur in the following situations.
In most of these situations, the most important form of exposure is the inhalation of MTBE-contaminated air. However, it is also absorbed through the contact with the skin. Contamination of the groundwater near storage facilities can also result in exposure from the tap water. MTBE does not accumulate in the body. It is broken down and removed.
Some areas in California are reputed to be unable to use their own water because of contamination of the ground water by MTBE.
In several areas using MTBE, there have been some complaints of nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. However, these symptoms have never been clearly linked to MTBE exposure. Human health effects of short-term exposures to large amounts of MTBE are not known. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the nervous system ranging from hyperactivity and incoordination to convulsions and unconsciousness. Human health effects of long-term exposures to smaller amounts of MTBE also are not known. Animal studies have shown kidney damage and adverse effects on fetal development. There is also some indication of cancer development in animals. The levels of MTBE used for animal studies are many times higher than the levels seen for typical human exposures.
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