Preliminary assessment of the occurrence and possible sources of MTBE in groundwater in the United States, 1993-1994

Article Abstract:

Concentrations of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in groundwater samples collected from five drinking water wells, 12 springs and 193 monitoring wells in urban areas during 1993-1994 do not pose health risks to humans in most cases. MTBE is the most commonly used fuel oxygenate and is a new gasoline additive. Although it was the second most frequently detected chemical in the samples, only 3% of the shallow wells and springs in urban areas had MTBE concentrations that exceeded 20 ug/L, the estimated lower limit of the EPA's draft drinking water health advisory. The samples were collected as part of the National Water Quality Assessment program of the US Geological Survey.

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MTBE water contamination raises health concerns, research questions

Article Abstract:

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a fuel additive used to increase octane, has aroused public concern because of its detection in increased levels in ground and drinking water sources. As a result, federal policy makers are supporting increased research into MTBE's effects on health. MTBE was regulated after its gas fumes were found to cause headaches and nausea. A finding by an Italian study showed ingestion of MTBE caused leukemia and lymphoma in female rats and tumors in the testes of male rats. The EPA is awaiting the results of a study which allows MTBE ingestion studies to be extrapolated to inhalation studies.

Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs, Groundwater & Lakes Pollution, Research, United States. Environmental Protection Agency, Water pollution control, Drinking water

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MTBE detected in survey of urban groundwater

Article Abstract:

Researchers working under the US Geological Survey's National Water Quality Assessment program report that methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) has been found in shallow groundwater in several urban centers. MTBE, a commonly-used gasoline additive, is classified by the EPA as a possible human carcinogen. The report, which covers 16 states and 60 volatile organic compounds (VOC), concluded that chloroform and MTBE were the most common VOCs in the urban areas sampled.

Reports, United States. Geological Survey

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