| MTBE, Methyl Tert Butyl Ether, a gasoline additive, is | | | | health effects of MTBE are currently underway. |
| being found in drinking water all over the United | | | | Cancer, Lymphoma, leukemia, testicular tumors, |
| States due to fuel spills, leaking gas tanks and leaking | | | | thyroid tumors and kidney tumors are a few of the |
| underground gasoline storage tanks. MTBE has been | | | | known health effects at this time, however, little is |
| used in gasoline since 1979 to replace lead as an | | | | known about the health effects of low level long |
| octane enhancer as it helps prevent engine knock. | | | | term exposure. |
| MTBE is contaminating our air, water, and soil. MTBE | | | | MTBE, in heavier concentrations, causes bad taste |
| mixes well with water. Rain distributes MTBE | | | | and odor in drinking water. If MTBE is present at |
| nationwide. Storm runoff carries it into our streams, | | | | levels of 20 - 40 ppb drinking water tastes and smells |
| rivers, and reservoirs. MTBE is very transient as it | | | | like turpentine. |
| washes easily through soil resulting in groundwater | | | | At this time, 20 - 40 ppb is considered an acceptable |
| contamination. Cleanup is virtually impossible due to | | | | level. |
| the vast contamination. | | | | There are a few drinking water filters on the market |
| MTBE is a known carcinogen. Many studies regarding | | | | today that can effectively reduce MTBE. |