The paradoxes ofMTBE.
A widely used gasoline additive, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), has been controversial, in part because of concerns about potential inhalation health effects and more recently because of added concerns about water contamination. Although many of the issues related to MTBE have not been fully resolved, several apparent paradoxes can be discerned, including the fact that something intended to improve air quality is now seen as a threat to water quality. Among the lessons that can be derived from the MTBE experience is the value of a comprehensive understanding of the potential risk-benefit tradeoffs of different fuels and fuel additives.
Davis
J M
JM
National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA. Davis.Jmichael@epa.gov
Farland
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WH
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008738:Methyl Ethers / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D051379:Mice; D011640:Public Policy; D051381:Rats; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012903:Smell; D013649:Taste; D014481:United States; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects
D000393:Air Pollutants; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D014873:Water Pollutants; C043243:methyl tert-butyl ether