Disclaimer Introduction Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a flammable liquid with a distinctive, disagreeable odor. It is made from blending chemicals such as isobutylene and methanol, and has been used since the 1980s as an additive for unleaded gasolines to achieve more efficient burning. MTBE is also used to dissolve gallstones. Patients treated in this way have MTBE delivered directly to their gallbladders through special tubes that are surgically inserted. Fate & Transport MTBE quickly evaporates from open containers and surface water, so it is commonly found as a vapor in the air. Small amounts of MTBE may dissolve in water and get into underground water. It remains in underground water for a long time. MTBE may stick to particles in water, which will cause it to eventually settle to the bottom sediment. MTBE may be broken down quickly in the air by sunlight. MTBE does not build up significantly in plants and animals. Exposure Pathways Touching the skin or breathing contaminated air while pumping gasoline Breathing exhaust fumes while driving a car Breathing air near highways or in cities Drinking, swimming, or showering in water that has been contaminated with MTBE Receiving MTBE treatment for gallstones Health Effects Breathing small amounts of MTBE for short periods may cause nose and throat irritation. Some people exposed to MTBE while pumping gasoline, driving their cars, or working in gas stations have reported having headaches, nausea, dizziness, and mental confusion. However, the actual levels of exposure in these cases are unknown. In addition, these symptoms may have been caused by exposure to other chemicals. There is no data on the effects in people of drinking MTBE. Studies with rats and mice suggest that drinking MTBE may cause gastrointestinal irritation, liver and kidney damage, and nervous system effects. There is no evidence that MTBE causes cancer in humans. One study with rats found that breathing high levels of MTBE for long periods may cause kidney cancer. Another study with mice found that breathing high levels of MTBE for long periods may cause liver cancer. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the EPA have not classified MTBE as to its carcinogenicity. MTBE and its breakdown product, butyl alcohol, can be detected in your breath, blood, or urine for up to 1 or 2 days after exposure. These tests aren't available at most doctors' offices, but can be done at special laboratories that have the right equipment. There is no other test specific to determining MTBE exposure. Regulations The EPA has issued guidelines recommending that, to protect children, drinking water levels of MTBE not exceed 4 milligrams per liter of water (4 mg/L) for an exposure of 1-10 days, and 3 mg/L for longer-term exposures. Other recommendations: To protect workers, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has recommended an exposure limit of 40 parts of MTBE per million parts of air (40 ppm) for an 8-hour workday, 40-hour workweek. Information excerpted from Toxicological Profile for Methyl tert-Butyl Ether 1996 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry United States Public Health Service