What is an MTBE and How it Hurts You

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the following are the occupations which are the most susceptible to conditions of dangerous exposure to Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) one of various additives used to oxygenate gasoline:

. Gas Station Attendants

. Taxi drivers

. Bus drivers

. Delivery drivers

. Mechanics

. Gasoline processing plant employees

. Others with high exposures to oxyfuels

However, those with occupations that bring them into abnormally high levels of contact with gasoline in urban areas are not the only people at risk. Even stopping to fill up the gas tank can expose an individual. A further risk is the unknowing consumption of water from contaminated water supplies.

Fortunately, organizations such as the Environemental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed standards or recommendations specifically to ensure the safety of children in water levels. They have set the level at no more than 4 milligrams per liter of water for an exposure of one to 10 days, and they have also set long-term exposure at 3 milligrams per liter.

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has recommended an exposure limit of 40 parts of MTBE per million parts of air (40 ppm) for an 8-hour work day/40-hour work week. It is imperative that an individual who is concerned about having been exposed to MTBE while on the job, that the individual contact authorities in order to test the water for toxicity levels. This is especially recommended in gasoline high traffic areas, such as near gas stations, processing plants or storage facilities.

Fortunately, there is no reason to be concerned about exposure to MTBE under any other circumstances than as an additive to gasoline, as it is not used for any other purposes. However, the use of MTBEs does occur in the medical procedure of dissolving gallstones, but this is the only exception.

Complaints regarding MTBE contamination or health risks fall under the category of toxic tort. In order for damages to be awarded, under tort law, the arguments of the plaintiff must hold sway over the defendents.

Cases regarding MTBE have gone to court and the plaintiffs have successfully received damages for ailments relating to the exposure to MTBE. It has been proven that many corporations or companies associated with this are knowingly providing for sale defective products.

There are many approaches that can be taken to toxic tort litigation, and many reasons that the responsible parties may be held accountable for lack of due concern for public safety and the environment. Fortunately, legitimate recourse for people who have suffered pain or discomfort because of exposure to the dangerous additive MTBE is available.

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