Originally Posted by AC1DD
Back in the mid to late 1980s the EPA pushed MTBE as an additive to reduce vapors from gas escaping and reduce emissions, however it was DANGEROUS enough that the industry warned those working around it and people working in auto shops to AVOID breathing vehicle exhaust as much as possible because it could cause cancer quickly and could cause serious liver and nerve damage without a lot of exposure! It was also discovered that it wouldn't dilute if it leaked into water and the ground easily contaminating water sources. It was
gone from US gasoline by the end of the 80s.
MTBE is still around and frankly isn't illegal to use. Its toxicity is likely no better or worse than the base gasoline. Its main advantage is that it blends well. The main issue was that it was water soluble and when it leaked into groundwater it left an off odor/taste even in minute quantities. It was still widely used well into the late 90s, but the whole thing about it leaking and leaving well water tasting like turpentine is why it's been mostly phased out.
Back in the mid to late 1980s the EPA pushed MTBE as an additive to reduce vapors from gas escaping and reduce emissions, however it was DANGEROUS enough that the industry warned those working around it and people working in auto shops to AVOID breathing vehicle exhaust as much as possible because it could cause cancer quickly and could cause serious liver and nerve damage without a lot of exposure! It was also discovered that it wouldn't dilute if it leaked into water and the ground easily contaminating water sources. It was
gone from US gasoline by the end of the 80s.
MTBE is still around and frankly isn't illegal to use. Its toxicity is likely no better or worse than the base gasoline. Its main advantage is that it blends well. The main issue was that it was water soluble and when it leaked into groundwater it left an off odor/taste even in minute quantities. It was still widely used well into the late 90s, but the whole thing about it leaking and leaving well water tasting like turpentine is why it's been mostly phased out.
