What are the health effects of MTBE
Like other contaminants, the effect of MTBE on human health will depend on the length and amount of exposure. People may can be exposed to MTBE from a variety of sources including:

• Where gasoline is being pumped into vehicles,
• Gasoline-powered home maintenance equipment,
• If they live near bulk gasoline loading and unloading facilities, or
• If they drink water that has been contaminated with gasoline containing MTBE

MTBE is a potential human carcinogen. Although tests on rats have demonstrated that    MTBE can cause cancer in animals, no studies have yet been completed to determine if MTBE causes cancer in humans. Preliminary data suggests that if MTBE does cause cancer in humans, the dosage required is much higher that the levels at which MTBE can be tasted or smelled in drinking water.

Non-cancer effects of exposure to (or ingestion/inhalation of) MTBE are not well-documented. Some studies suggest that exposure to MTBE can result in headaches, eye irritation, nose and throat irritation, cough, nausea, dizziness, and disorientation.

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What is MTBE

What happens to MTBE in the environment

What are the health effects of MTBE

State groundwater standards for MTBE