MTBE Research Paper
The chemical name for the substance called MTBE is Methyl Tertiary Butyl- Ether. MTBE is commonly found in gasoline which is stored in underground storage tanks (USTs). Due to its Ether component it has a chemical attraction to water molecules. It spreads quickly and remains indefinitely in water. Also, it does not easily bind to soil particles and does not biodegrade. These qualities allow MTBE to travel easily and quickly into underground water supplies. In addition, MTBE quickly evaporates from open containers and surface water, so it is often found as a vapor in the air.
Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established some federal UST regulations, it is impossible to prevent accidental leaks or spills from contaminating underground water supplies. As well as USTs there are other potential sources of MTBE contamination which include discharge of unburned fuel from water crafts, car and truck accidents, spills when refueling vehicles, lawnmowers, tractors, and leaks from pipelines and above ground storage tanks.
MTBE is known to cause cancer in animals and the EPA classifies it as a possible carcinogen in humans. Also, there are reports of acute effects on humans resulting from MTBE inhalation. Furthermore, MTBE, has certain byproducts that are released in the body and into the environment. Formaldehyde which is a known toxin and TBA, a suspected toxin, are two major byproducts of MTBE breakdown. The amount of MTBE exposure required to produce a toxic effect is unknown.
MTBE has an extremely foul odor and taste making contaminated water unfit for human consumption. MTBE has destroyed and will continue to destroy natural resources. Continued use will result in depletion of our nation’s food and water supply, billions of dollars being wasted in medical treatment, and clean up efforts.
Finally, in studies MTBE has not proven to be effective in reducing air pollution at it was originally intended instead it has posed a threat to our nation’s water supply. If MTBE were banned today it would take several years and billions of dollars to remove it from our nation’s water supply.
Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established some federal UST regulations, it is impossible to prevent accidental leaks or spills from contaminating underground water supplies. As well as USTs there are other potential sources of MTBE contamination which include discharge of unburned fuel from water crafts, car and truck accidents, spills when refueling vehicles, lawnmowers, tractors, and leaks from pipelines and above ground storage tanks.
MTBE is known to cause cancer in animals and the EPA classifies it as a possible carcinogen in humans. Also, there are reports of acute effects on humans resulting from MTBE inhalation. Furthermore, MTBE, has certain byproducts that are released in the body and into the environment. Formaldehyde which is a known toxin and TBA, a suspected toxin, are two major byproducts of MTBE breakdown. The amount of MTBE exposure required to produce a toxic effect is unknown.
MTBE has an extremely foul odor and taste making contaminated water unfit for human consumption. MTBE has destroyed and will continue to destroy natural resources. Continued use will result in depletion of our nation’s food and water supply, billions of dollars being wasted in medical treatment, and clean up efforts.
Finally, in studies MTBE has not proven to be effective in reducing air pollution at it was originally intended instead it has posed a threat to our nation’s water supply. If MTBE were banned today it would take several years and billions of dollars to remove it from our nation’s water supply.
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