What is MTBE?
MTBE is a flammable, colorless liquid that is easily soluble in water. MTBE has a unique unpleasant odor.

MTBE is a fuel oxygenate that is almost entirely used as a fuel additive. Oxygen content in fuel does not naturally occur in gasoline. On the contrary, they are added to increase the oxygen content of gasoline. By increasing the oxygen content of gasoline, it can burn better, thereby reducing harmful emissions from vehicles and reducing pollution.

What is the purpose of MTBE?

In 1979, MTBE was first used as a fuel oxygenate in the United States. In 1992, MTBE began to be used at higher concentrations to meet the oxygen content requirements set by the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment (CAA).

As part of the 2005 Energy Policy Act, Congress lifted the oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline. As a response to the bill, the company has transitioned from MTBE to ethanol. Since 2005, MTBE has not been widely used in the gasoline industry.

MTBE is also used to dissolve gallstones.

How can I possibly come into contact with MTBE?

In the past, people were exposed to Methyl tert-butyl ether from the exhaust gas of cars when driving or from the gasoline smoke when refueling cars and lawn mowers. However, due to the recent phasing out of MTBE, water and soil pollution have become the most likely sources of contact for many people.

MTBE can contaminate groundwater or soil through leakage or leakage from underground or aboveground storage tanks. Then, people may come into contact with contaminated water by drinking it, inhaling its vapor, showering or bathing in it, or cooking with it. If the soil is contaminated, any contact between people and the soil may be exposed.

Individuals working in industries that manufacture or use MTBE may also have occupational exposure to MTBE.

What happens to t butylmethylether in the environment?
In outdoor environments, MTBE rapidly decomposes into other compounds, with half of MTBE disappearing within 4 hours.

However, if the rainwater is sprinkled on the ground, it will dissolve Methyl tert-butyl ether and bring this chemical into the underground water through the soil. In addition, spills or leaks from storage containers may penetrate deeper soil layers and contaminate groundwater, especially near production sites. MTBE can stay in groundwater for a considerable period of time.