Plants and animals are not likely to store methyl tertiary-butyl ether. Effects of methyl tertiary butyl ether on human health and the environment depend on how much MTBE is present and the length and frequency of exposure. Effects also depend on the health of a person or the condition of the environment when exposure occurs. Human health effects associated with breathing or otherwise consuming large amounts of MTBE for short periods of time are not known. Laboratory studies show that breathing large amounts of MTBE for short periods of time adversely affects the nervous system of animals.
Effects range from hyperactivity and incoordination to convulsions and unconsciousness.
Human health effects associated with breathing or otherwise consuming smaller amounts of MTBE over long periods of time are not known. Laboratory studies show that repeat exposure to large amounts of MTBE in air causes kidney damage and adversely affects the developing fetus of animals. Studies also show that lifetime exposure to MTBE in air causes cancer in animals. The Agency is currently reviewing potential health effects of MTBE in humans. Methyl tertiary butyl ether by itself is not likely to cause environmental harm at levels normally found in the environment.