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. Brief exposure when refueling a vehicle or while commuting may also present danger. Additionally, water contamination is another way to be exposed.
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. It is important that this occurs in areas with high traffic as well as in other areas with high gasoline levels.
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.
