Summary of MTBE Effects on Health

by Peter M. Joseph
Professor, Dept. Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
email joseph@rad.upenn.edu

Also by Peter M. Joseph:

• New Hypotheses for MTBE Combustion Products

• Toxicology of Methyl Nitrite and Related Compounds

• Reformulated Gasoline: A Source of Illness

• Health Effects from MTBE in Gasoline

CHARACTERISTICS OF MTBE/MDT SYNDROME

1. Symptoms only when oxygenated or reformulated fuel in use.
2. Symptoms disappear on travel to non-MTBE region.
3. Symptoms worse in heavy traffic or pumping gas.
4. Symptoms worse at night and on cloudy days.
5. Symptoms reduced on rainy days and nights.
6. Inflammatory symptoms not responsive to antihistamines.
7. Prolonged and frequent respiratory infections.
8. Neurological symptoms with no organic disease.
9. Symptoms controlled by appropriate air filtering machine.

INFLAMMATORY SYMPTOMS

Sinusitis, nosebleeds, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, post nasal drip, cough, asthma, earache, irritated eyes.

NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

Headache, dizziness, hard to concentrate, nausea, insomnia, "drunk" feeling, heart palpitations.

ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS

Skin rash. Many of the above symptoms could also be allergic.

Note: The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only.
 It is not a substitute for the advice of  a qualified professional.