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