ing water at minute concentrations. However, this is a low potential for bioconcentration in plants or animals according to the U.S. EPA studies. Though studies have found that MTBE and ethanol by themselves do little to clean the air, and scientists have noted that they both indirectly help the cause by diluting concentrations of cancer causing benzene and the most potent forms of hydrocarbons that lead to smog. The major metabolites of MTBE are tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is further metabolized to formic acid and carbon dioxide, with the possible formation of methanol. Formaldehyde is known to be both toxic, potent sensitized and may cause reproductive disorders. The most commonly reported physical symptoms following MTBE exposure include:Headache, nausea, dizziness, sore throat, drowsiness, disorientation, skin rashes and irritation, visual impairment, nosebleeds, diarrhea, insomnia, cough lethargy, malaise, muscle aches and cardiac arrhythmia. Some people notice these effects while filling up at the pump, while driving their car, or simply by breathing urban air. Currently, the EPA classifies MTBE as a possible human carcinogen. Although acute low level exposures to MTBE do not appear to be very hazardous, questions have been raised concerning the potential risk of can upon chronic exposure to MTBE. An EPA study of the carcinogenic effects of inhaled MTBE in mice and rats resulted in increased incidence of liver and kidney cancer. Many researchers have correlated the increase in childhood and adult asthma, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and colds with the used of MTBE gasoline. MTBE and its metabolites irritate the mucous membrane which, coupled with induced sensitization, may weaken out ability to resist infection. Others have concluded that the rise in ADD among children is related to the neurological effects of MTBE resulting in difficulty concentrating and lightheadedness...
