Study: MTBE Poses Limited Threat to Health and the Environment

Dec. 21, 2001
The scheduled phase-out of methyl tertiary butyl ether or MTBE in California now appears to be unnecessary and economically risky, according to a new European study.

The study has effectively cleared the cleaner burning gasoline additive MTBE of allegations that it poses a significant risk to health or the environment.

The Commission of European Communities, Europe's official scientific investigative body, released findings from a comprehensive study of MTBE health effects. The Commission concluded that MTBE poses very limited risks that can be essentially mitigated by existing control mechanisms such as sound fuel tank management and code enforcement. The Commission found, "no compelling reasons to limit use (of MTBE) in motor fuel."

The European Commission's findings are significant because they validate the findings of World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer, the U.S. National Toxicology Panel, California's Science Advisory Board for Proposition 65, and several other studies that all agree there is no compelling evidence that MTBE causes cancer in human beings.

In addition, updated, cumulative statistics from the California Department of Health Services indicate that the actual detections of MTBE in drinking water have been extremely small - less than 1 percent of the water sources tested - and the trends have declined to very low levels. This marked improvement, say experts, is due to advances made in upgrading underground gasoline storage tanks and better tank program enforcement throughout the state.

"The European Commission is yet another credible scientific body that has declared MTBE safe, given rigorous enforcement of the underground gasoline storage tank program. Better enforcement in California is now preventing gasoline leaks into groundwater. So why are we phasing out MTBE?" commented James White, principal of White Environmental Associates.

Governor Gray Davis' decree that MTBE be phased out of California gasoline by 2003 was based largely on two projections:

  • That MTBE was a pervasive groundwater contaminant throughout the state, and
  • That MTBE posed a health threat to Californians.

The governor now is considering whether to extend the deadline of an MTBE phase-out due to supply and transportation problems associated with importing ethanol (MTBE's primary alternative) to California.

Earlier this year, the California Energy Commission concluded that a switch from MTBE to ethanol in California gasoline would result in significant gasoline price spikes. Governor Davis has stated publicly that ethanol-related price spikes at the gas pump could be as high as fifty cents per gallon.

For copies of the European Commission study on MTBE, and a link to California Department of Health Services groundwater monitoring data, click on "Studies and Presentations" at www.calgasoline.com.

edited by Sandy Smith ([email protected])

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Committing to Safety: Why Leadership’s Role in Safety Excellence is Key

Jan. 13, 2025
Leadership has the power to transform an organization through their behavior and vision, which can result in the creation of an organizational culturethat supports safety excellence...

Speak Up! Cementing "See Something, Say Something" to Drive Safety

Jan. 13, 2025
Many organizations promote "see something, say something" to encourage their people to intervene and make work safe. But most don't go far enough to equip teams with the skills...

The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease

Jan. 13, 2025
DEKRA announces its latest white paper, “The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease,” as a definitive look into why being vulnerable to incidents strengthens our commitment...

Mitigating Risks: Strategies for Safeguarding Workers in Hazardous Workplaces

Jan. 13, 2025
Join our expert team in taking on the challenge to make safety part of your organization’s DNA as work, the workforce, and workplaces evolve.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!