c 1998 Oxybusters of Texas
Toxic Effects of MTBE
Health Effects of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
on the Human Body as reported by the EPA.
A. PHARMACOKINETICS EFFECTS 1.Absorption - Animal studies have shown
that MTBE is rapidly absorbed following oral or inhalation exposures.
Bioavailability following dermal exposure is reported to be 39% or less
than that for oral exposures (U.S. EPA 1993a) 2.Distribution - Animal
studies indicate that MTBE is rapidly distributed in the blood to all
parts of the body including the brain. Peak blood levels occur within 15
min of i.p. injection, and highest tissue levels were reported to occur
in the liver and kidneys (U.S. EPA 1993a). 3.Metabolism - The major
metabolites of MTBE are tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) and formaldehyde
(U.S. EPA 1993a). The formaldehyde is likely further metabolized to
formic acid and carbon dioxide, with the possible formation of methanol
as well. 4.Excretion - Animal studies have shown that MTBE is rapidly
excreted following oral or inhalation exposures (U.S. EPA 1993a).
Following oral exposures, MTBE is eliminated mainly in expired air
(46-69%) with smaller amounts excreted in the urine (11-36%).
Following inhalation exposures, most MTBE and metabolites are excreted
in the urine (53-72%) with smaller amounts in expired air (17-22%) (U.S.
EPA 1993a). B. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Although MTBE is added to gasoline
to improve air quality by enhancing combustion and reducing emissions of
carbon monoxide and benzene, emissions of other pollutants, such as
formaldehyde may increase (U.S. EPA 1993c). The ozone forming potential
of MTBE is estimated to be lower than that for most other non-methane
components of urban air including alkenes, aldehydes, nontoluene
aromatics, and ethene (U.S. EPA 1993a). According to the definition
provided in the Federal Register (1992), MTBE is a volatile organic
carbon (VOC) substance. As a VOC, MTBE reacts with NOx emissions and in
the presence of sunlight contributes to the formation of ozone or what
some call photochemical smog. .
EPA/OTHER FEDERAL/OTHER GROUP ACTIVITY The Clean Air Act Amendments of
1990 list MTBE as a hazardous air pollutant.
IF MTBE IS NOT HELPING AS IT HAS BEEN PROVEN TO BE THE CASE, WHY ARE WE
STILL USING MTBE???????
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Health Effects of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether on the Human Body by
Medical Reports. Acute: Irritating to the mucous membranes and
respiratory tract. Causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Chronic: Causes damage to kidneys. Toxicological effects and properties
are not complete. Medical Studies are still being conducted to determine
the toxicity of MTBE, but it has been concluded that the metabolites and
degredation components of MTBE i.e. TBF, TBA and Formaldehyde, are the
real culprits. A list of symptoms is available.
Atmospheric Degradation of MTBE When exposed to sunlight, MTBE in the
presence of NOx, (Oxides of Nitrogen found outdoors as a component of
SMOG), reacts with the Hydrogen and Oxygen atoms of a radical compound
refered to as Hydroxyl and forms Tert-Butyl Formate, 76%; Formaldehyde,
37%; Methyl Acetate, 17%; and Acetone, 2%.
Effects of Tert-Butyl Formate on the Human BodyAcute: Extremely
destructive to tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory
tract, eyes and skin. Inhalation may be fatal as a result of spasm,
inflammation and edema of the larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonia and
pulmonary edema.
Chronic: Long term toxicological properties have not been thoroughly
investigated.
Effects of Formaldehyde on the Human Body Acute: Irritating to mucous
membranes and upper respiratory tract. May cause allergic respiratory or
skin reactions. Causes coughing, chest pains, breathing problems,
pulmonary edema, gastrointestinal disorders.
Chronic: Carcinogenic related illnesses, and genetic alterations.
Attacks the eyes and kidneys.
Metabolization of MTBE in the Human Body When MTBE gets introduced into
the Human Body either by inhalation or by absorption through the skin,
it metabolizes into two primary compounds; Tert-Butyl Alcohol, and
Formaldehyde both classified by the EPA as being "probable human
carcinogens". Formaldehyde is a known mutagenic but recent medical
studies prove Formaldehyde to be not only carcinogenic, but more of an
immune system suppressant allowing cancerous cells to take root and
spread with little resistance and has been linked to cases of chemically
induced AIDS (Immune Deficiency).
Effects of Tert-Butyl Alcohol on the Human Body Acute: Harmful or fatal
if swallowed, irritating to mucous membranes and upper respiratory
tract, causes nausea, dizziness, headaches.
Chronic: May cause reproductive disorders. Attacks the central nervous
system.
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Medical Reports on MTBE
Changes in Disease Rates in Philadelphia Following the Introduction of
Oxygenated Gasoline Dr. Peter Joseph, Univ of Penn, Dept Radiology.
Reformulated Gasoline: A Source of Illness? by a Medical Professional
in Medical terms for Doctors.
Health Effects from MTBE in Gasoline as described by a Medical
Professional in Laymens terms.
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