|
|
5 Things You Need to Know About MTBE
By Jennifer Olvera
What MTBE Is
Methyl tertiary-butyl-ether – also referred to as MTBE – is a volatile chemical compound (methanol and isobutylene) that is both flammable and color-free. It has been widely used as an additive in gasoline to increase octane and facilitate more complete combustion. It's fairly water soluble and has a higher boiling point than some like-minded additives. While MTBE is almost exclusively used to oxygenate gasoline, it additionally has been used medically to dissolve gallstones. By the latter part of 2006, MTBE production in the U.S. all-but-ceased due to health and pollution concerns.
Benefits of MTBE
Used in the States since 1979 as a replacement to tetra-ethyl lead, MTBE raises octane ratings in gasoline and aids in the prevention of engine knocking. Oxygenating gasoline is important because it reduces tailpipe emissions by helping gasoline burn cleanly. Because it's produced from natural gas, it's a more cost-effective option than oil. As Clean Air Act requirements grew more stringent, MTBE began being used in higher concentration to fulfill governmental requirements.
MTBE is a Useful Solvent
Unlike other ethers, MTBE is less likely to develop explosive organic peroxides than its competitors. Solvents such as diethyl ether or THF, once opened, pose risks within months. By contrast, MTBE usually can be used for years. It's important to note, however, that MTBE is scarcely used as a solvent separate of gasoline-related purposes.
MTBE Risks
In 1995, high levels of MTBE were found in water supplies in Santa Monica, Calif. Later, it was found that the contamination of water supplies was far more widespread, with incidents occurring across the U.S. One of the problems is that it gives water an undesirable taste. High levels also will make it smell like turpentine. But other concerns are more problematic: While it's not considered a carcinogen to humans at low doses, it does carry other risks. High doses of MTBE are believed to cause lesions of the kidney in animals. Additionally, when some animals inhaled high concentrations of MTBE, some developed cancers or experienced other non-cancerous health effects. Although its effects are not fully known, the EPA does cite concerns that high levels of MTBE could be carcinogenic. Moreover, because it's soluble MTBE is hard to remove from water and resists natural biodegradation.
MTBE has been Banned
Certain states have banned the use of MTBE including New York and California, which collectively used up to 40% of MTBE in the U.S. By September 2005, 25 states had banned its use. The Environmental Protection Agency is actively working toward researching the effects of MTBE use. Ethanol is now the more commonly used oxygenate in gasoline.
Jennifer Olvera, a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, has been writing professionally for over a decade. In addition to covering the "green scene" for publications such as Where Magazine and Crain's, she has become one of the preeminent dining, food, and entertainment writers in Chicago. She has regularly been published in Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Zagat, Citysearch.com, and Gayot.com.
|
|
Subscribe to Green Car Journal Now!
|
|
Sponsored Links
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
