tert-Butyl methyl ether

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P264, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P321, P332+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H225 (100%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 2105 reports by companies from 7 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]

H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

H303: May be harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]

H304: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways [Danger Aspiration hazard]

H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]

P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P301+P316, P301+P317, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P321, P331, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention .

INHALATION: Move victim to fresh air; call emergency medical care. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.

EYES OR SKIN: Flush with running water for at least 15 minutes; hold eyelids open if necessary. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes at the site. Keep victim quiet and maintain normal body temperature.

INGESTION: If victim is unconscious or having convulsions, do nothing except keep victim warm. (USCG, 1999)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· Wash skin with soap and water.

· In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]:

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient. CAUTION: For fire involving UN1170, UN1987 or UN3475, alcohol-resistant foam should be used. CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.).

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)

Use powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary. Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions - Carbon oxides

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

· Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.

· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

Large Spill

· Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.

· Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and vapours adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations. Do NOT wash away into sewer.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low areas. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Use explosion-proof equipment. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Take measures to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge.

Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 127 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Miscible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids

/Methyl tert-butyl ether/ can be stored in nonpressurized containers. Carbon steel can be used as container material, as well as aluminum, brass, copper, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Teflon, Buna-N, and other fuel-resistant plastics and rubbers can be used for seals; the use of vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropene copolymer (Viton) is not recommended.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

50.0 [ppm]

AEGL 1: Notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. However, the effects are not disabling and are transient and reversible upon cessation of exposure (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 2: Irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape (Unit: ppm)

AEGL 3: Life-threatening health effects or death (Unit: ppm)

13,000**

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) = 16,000 * = > 10% LEL ** = > 50% LEL For values denoted as * safety considerations against the hazard(z) of explosion(s) must be taken into account. For values denoted as ** extreme safety considerations against the hazard(s) of explosion(s) must be taken into account.

AEGLs Status: Interim

50 [ppm]

570 [ppm]

5300 [ppm]

8 hr Time Weighted Avg (TWA): 50 ppm

Peak Exposure Recommendation: Transient increases in workers' exposure levels may exceed 3 times the value of the TLV-TWA level for no more than 15 minutes at a time, on no more than 4 occasions spaced 1 hour apart during a workday, and under no circumstances should they exceed 5 times the value of the TLV-TWA level. In addition, the 8-hour TWA is not to be exceeded for an 8-hour work period.

A3; Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.

50 ppm as TWA; A3 (confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans).

50 ppm [1999]

183.5 mg/m

180 mg/m

CAUTION: The majority of these products have a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fire may be inefficient.

CAUTION: For fire involving UN1170, UN1987 or UN3475, alcohol-resistant foam should be used.

CAUTION: Ethanol (UN1170) can burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.)

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.

· Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

· For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

ERPG-1: 5 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 1 = mild transient health effects or objectionable odor [AIHA]

ERPG-2: 1,000 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 2 = impaired ability to take protective action [AIHA]

ERPG-3: 5,000 ppm - one hour exposure limit: 3 = life threatening health effects [AIHA]

Emergency Response Planning Guidlines (ERPGs) for methyl tert-butyl ether:[Table#5571]

EPA has not set a national standard for MTBE, although some states have set their own limits. EPA will issue a secondary drinking water standard, based on taste and odor, by late Fall 2000. This taste and odor standard will serve as a guideline that states may adopt. In December 1997, EPA issued a Drinking Water Advisory that states concentrations of MTBE in the range of 20 to 40 ppb of water or below will probably not cause unpleasant taste and odor for most people, recognizing that human sensitivity to taste and odor varies widely. The advisory is a guidance document that recommends keeping concentrations below that range. EPA also reviewed the available information on health effects in the 1997 advisory and stated that there is little likelihood that MTBE concentrations between 20 and 40 ppb in drinking water would cause negative health effects.

A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20 °C.

Methyl tert-butyl ether appears as a colorless liquid with a distinctive anesthetic-like odor. Vapors are heavier than air and narcotic (cause drowsiness when inhaled). This liquid has a flash point lower than most ambient temperatures, so it will readily ignite under most conditions. It is less dense than water and moderately soluble in water. Used as a octane booster in gasoline.

Gas Vapor; Liquid

A colorless liquid with a distinctive anesthetic-like odor; [CAMEO]

COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

A colorless liquid with a distinctive anesthetic-like odor.

Colorless liquid

Terpene-like odor

131.4 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)

131.4 °F

55 °C @760 [mm Hg]

-164.2 °F (USCG, 1999)

-108.6 °C

-164.2 °F

-14 °F (USCG, 1999)

-28 °C c.c.

Solubility of water in methyl t-butyl ether: 1.5 g/100 g; unstable in acid solution

In water, 51,000 mg/L at 25 °C

4.8 g/100 g in water

Soluble in water

Solubility in water 4wt%; solution of water in 1.3 wt%

Very soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 4.2

0.7405 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.7353 g/cu cm at 25 °C

Bulk density: 6.18 lb/gal

Relative density (water = 1): 0.7

0.7353 @25 °C

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 3.0

250.0 [mmHg]

VP: 245 mm Hg at 25 °C

250 mm Hg at 25 °C /extrapolated/

Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 27

75 [mm Hg] @-2 °C

log Kow = 0.94

Henry's Law constant = 5.87X10-4 atm-cu m/mole at 25 °C

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

Unstable in acid solution.

Stable under recommended storage conditions.

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

101,000 btu/gal at 25 °C (804 kcal/mole)

Highly flammable. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick 1979. p.151-154, 164]. A mixture of liquid air and diethyl ether exploded spontaneously [MCA Case History 616. 1960].

Highly Flammable

Peroxidizable Compound

CSL00040

BROMINE + TERT-BUTYL METHYL ETHER

Spontaneous exothermic reaction when mixed in 1:1 molar ratio

Explosive

Bromination

User-Reported

Ethers, such as METHYL TERT-BUTYL ETHER, can act as bases. They form salts with strong acids and addition complexes with Lewis acids. The complex between diethyl ether and boron trifluoride is an example. Ethers may react violently with strong oxidizing agents. In other reactions, which typically involve the breaking of the carbon-oxygen bond, ethers are relatively inert.

Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents, Strong acids

t-Butyl methyl ether

D: Other compounds that may form peroxides

9 ppm after 663 h

hardly and PO generated after 30 days

https://doi.org/10.1021/ja01614a066

Hage, T., Chem. Abs., 1987, 107, 21833

Pearson, H., Chem. Abs., 1988, 108, 115254

https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/7091

https://doi.org/10.1039/B900229B

CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Methyl tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) is a colorless liquid. It is used as octane booster for unleaded gasoline (up to 7% by volume). HUMAN STUDIES: Humans exposed to motor fuel containing MTBE have experienced increase frequency of respiratory, allergic, and neurologic reactions. Symptoms in humans also include headaches; nausea; vomiting; burning sensation in the nose, mouth, or throat; cough; dizziness; nosebleeds; eye irritation; spaciness and disorientation; breathing problems; fatigue; inability to concentrate; shortness of breath; anxiety; depression; stomach cramps; poor memory; insomnia; and loss of appetite. Aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. MTBE induced DNA double-strand breaks at 200 uM in human lymphocytes. ANIMAL STUDIES: In studies on animals, MTBE is moderately acutely toxic and induces mild skin and eye irritation but not sensitization. Repeated exposure in rodents affects primarily the kidney and the liver. Exposure to MTBE results in reversible central nervous system (CNS) effects including sedation, hypoactivity, ataxia and anesthesia at higher concentrations and biphasic effects on motor activity at lower concentrations. Inhalation exposure to MTBE produced increased incidences of kidney and testicular tumors in male rats and liver tumors in mice. Oral administration of MTBE produced increased incidences of leukemias and lymphomas (combined) in female rats and testicular tumors in male rats (see the table). MTBE has not induced adverse reproductive or developmental effects in rodents at concentrations less than those that were toxic to the parent. In zebrafish embryos MTBE disrupted angiogenesis. MTBE was not genotoxic in Salmonella assay and the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. However, statistically significant increases in sister chromatid exchange were observed in female rats given MTBE. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: Chronic exposure over three weeks to effective MTBE concentrations as low as 0.11 mg/L induced a significant increase in the vitellogenin concentration of male zebrafish (Danio rerio). In African catfish Clarias gariepinus developmental exposure to MTBE resulted in deformed eyes, mouthparts, and spinal cord and in increased larval mortality. MTBE is toxic to various aquatic organisms at concentrations of 57 to 1000 mg/L (invertebrates), and 388-2600 mg/L (vertebrates). MTBE was toxic to earthworm species. Lettuce was most sensitive to MTBE, followed (in order of decreasing sensitivity) by wild oats, wheat, and sweet corn.

Table: Summary Results of MTBE Cancer Bioassays [Table#5574]

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a high-octane fuel component that helps gasoline burn cleaner and reduces automobile emissions. In 1999, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorized MTBE as "not classifiable" regarding human carcinogenicity, and additional studies since 1999 have substantially added to the evidence base to examine the carcinogenic potential of MTBE in humans. The authors of this publication conducted a systematic literature search and review to identify mechanistic data, as well as studies investigating cancer in MTBE-exposed humans and experimental animals. They noted that evidence extracted from the literature demonstrates that the mechanism of male rat renal tumors does not operate in humans and stated that MTBE is unlikely to be a carcinogenic hazard to humans.

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)

3 mg/m^3

Methyl tert-butyl ether

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

CASRN 1634-04-4 Status: Reviewed but not listed in the Report on Carcinogens (RoC)

A3; Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.

Evaluation: There is limited evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of methyl tert-butyl ether. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of methyl tert-butyl ether. Overall evaluation: Methyl tert-butyl ether is not classifiable as to it carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans

Volume 73: (1999) Some Chemicals that Cause Tumours of the Kidney or Urinary Bladder in Rodents and Some Other Substances

Volume 138

In prep.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

Drowsiness. Dizziness. Headache. Weakness. Unconsciousness.

Dry skin. Redness.

Redness.

Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Further see Inhalation.

Gastrointestinal (Stomach and Intestines, part of the digestive system), Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Neurotoxin - Acute solvent syndrome

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.

Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.

ACGIH Carcinogen - Confirmed Animal.

ATSDR Final

IRIS Current

LC50 (rat) = 23,576 ppm/4h

LD50 Rat oral 4 g/kg (4,000 mg/kg)

LC50 Rat inhalation 23,576 ppm/4 hr

LC50 Mouse inhalation 180,000 ppm/ 10 min

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Esters and related compounds/

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Provide a low-stimulus environment. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Treat frostbite by rapid rewarming ... . /Esters and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Esters and related compounds/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Inhalation: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, weakness, unconciousness. Skin: dry skin, redness. Eyes: redness. Ingestion: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis.

/CASE REPORTS/ A case of acute renal failure is reported in one of 8 patients (aged 37-75 yr) with a history of biliary colic and radiolucent gallstones who were given continuous methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE I) infusion through a catheter, 5-10 mL for 7 hr. Hemolysis due to extravasation of MTBE after leakage alongside the catheter was suspected as the cause of the renal failure. Dialysis over 18 days was required before renal function recovered completely.

/CASE REPORTS/ Two deep frozen persons, a female and a male, were found dead in a car. There had been an explosive fire inside the car which had extinguished itself. On the floor inside the car were large pools of liquid which smelled of gasoline. The autopsy findings and routine toxicological analyses could not explain the cause of death. Carboxyhemoglobin levels in the blood samples were <10%. Analysis with a headspace gas chromatography revealed methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) concentrations of 185 mg/L (female victim) and 115 mg/L (male victim) in peripheral blood. The urine MTBE concentrations were 150 mg/L and 256 mg/L, respectively. MTBE is a synthetic chemical which is added to gasoline as a fuel oxygenate. Gasoline poisoning is likely to be the cause of the death in these two cases, and MTBE can be a suitable marker of gasoline exposure, when other volatile components have vaporized.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Methyl t-butyl ether (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

LC50; Species: Nitocra spinipes (Harpacticoid copepod); Conditions: saltwater, static, salinity 7 ppt; Concentration: >1000000 ug/L for 96 hr /formulation/

LC50; Species: Alburnus alburnus (Bleak); Conditions: saltwater, static, salinity 7 ppt; Concentration: >1000000 ug/L for 96 hr /formulation/

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ ... Chronic exposure over three weeks to effective methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) concentrations as low as 0.11 mg/L induced a significant increase in the vitellogenin concentration of male /zebrafish (Danio rerio)/. The impact of a chronic, eight-week exposure at effective concentrations ranging from 0.44 to 220 mg/L had no significant effect on fecundity, fertilization, or hatch rate but highly significant impacts on sperm motility. Spermatozoa of all MTBE-exposure groups showed a significantly lower straight-line velocity and lower average path velocity compared to those of the nonexposed group. ...

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ ... The effects of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) (up to 100 mg/L) and its primary metabolite tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) (up to 1,400 mg/L) on the hatch rate and larval development of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus /were studied/. Exposure to higher MTBE concentrations resulted in deformed eyes, mouthparts, and spinal cord and in increased larval mortality. Methyl tert-butyl ether exposure had no significant impact on egg viability, whereas TBA induced a decline of hatch rate. The MTBE can be regarded as a pollutant with toxicological effects on catfish larvae at concentrations above 50 mg/L. ...

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ The toxicity of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) to Chlorella ellipsoidea and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae was tested and assessed for a 15-d incubation with concentrations of MTBE from high (2.00 x 10+4 mg/L) to low (2 mg/L). Toxicity was low when the concentration of MTBE was in the range 1.00 x 10+4 - 2.00 x 10+4 mg/L (the greatest inhibition of growth-rate was 70%-71%, occurred during the day 1-5). Low concentrations (2-500 mg/L) stimulated algal growth up to the greatest effect of 85%-200% when the concentration of MTBE was 50-100 mg/L during day 3-5. The toxicity of MTBE (72-120 hr EC50) was 6.65 x 10+3 - 9.58 x 10+3 mg/L for C. ellipsoidea and that is 1.14 x 10+4 - 2.00 x 10+4 mg/L for A. floc-aquae ...

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ ... Industry and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) began to collaborate in 1997 to develop aquatic toxicity databases sufficient to derive ambient water quality criteria for methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) consistent with USEPA requirements. Acute toxicity data for seven marine species, chronic toxicity data for an invertebrate, and plant toxicity data were developed to complete the saltwater database. The species tested were Cyprinodon variegatus, Gasterosteus aculeatus, Callinectes sapidus, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Palaemonetes pugio, Rhepoxynius abronius, Americamysis bahia, and Skeletonema costatum. The toxicity tests were conducted in accordance with USEPA and American Society for Testing and Materials testing procedures and Good Laboratory Practice guidelines. Data developed from this study ... showed that MTBE has low acute and chronic toxicity to the marine species tested. Based upon measured MTBE concentrations, acute effects were found to range from 166 mg MTBE/L for the grass shrimp to 1950 mg MTBE/L for marine mussel. The no-observed effect concentration for the reproduction and growth of mysids was 26 mg MTBE/L during the life cycle test. The toxicity of MTBE to saltwater organisms is comparable to its toxicity to the freshwater species tested. Reported MTBE concentrations in coastal waters are several orders of magnitude lower than concentrations observed to cause effects in marine organisms.

For more Ecotoxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Methyl t-butyl ether (16 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

4.70e+01

2.10e+02

1.10e+01

1.40e+01

4.00e+01

3.20e-03

1.80e-03

3.00e+00

Volatile

8.87e+03

4.70e+03

2.10e+04

1.10e+03

1.40e+03

It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment because it is persistent.

Methyl t-butyl ether's production and use as gasoline additive, chemical intermediate, and chromatographic eluent may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 250 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates methyl t-butyl ether will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase methyl t-butyl ether will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7 days. Aliphatic ethers, such as methyl t-butyl ether, do not absorb light at wavelengths >290 nm, and, therefore, the compound is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, methyl t-butyl ether is expected to have very high mobility based upon a Koc range of 11-12. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon a Henry's Law constant of 5.87X10-4 atm-cu m/mole. Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 0% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks indicating that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil or water. No degradation of methyl t-butyl ether occurred after 40 days using a top soil and activated sludge inoculum. If released into water, methyl t-butyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the Koc values. No degradation of methyl t-butyl ether occurred after 60 days using an inoculum of sandy aquifer material, suggesting that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in water. Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process based upon this compound's Henry's Law constant. Estimated volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4 hours and 4 days, respectively. A BCF of 1.5 suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to methyl t-butyl ether may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where methyl t-butyl ether is produced or used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to methyl t-butyl ether via inhalation of ambient air especially during refueling operations, ingestion of contaminated ground water, and dermal contact with consumer products containing methyl t-butyl ether. (SRC)

Methyl t-butyl ether's production and use as a gasoline additive, chemical intermediate(1), and chromatographic eluent(2) and administration as a cholelitholytic agent(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Among the industrial sources, petroleum refineries formed the largest source category at about 3 million pounds per year, followed by industrial organic chemicals at about 0.34 million pounds; emissions from service stations during refueling were estimated to be 1.3 to 8 million pounds, emissions from 192 million vehicles in the United States were estimated to be 149 to 179 million pounds, with tailpipe emissions accounting for about 73% and the remainder due to evaporation, including about 12% from running losses and 15% from hot soak losses(3).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc range of 11-12(2,3) indicates that methyl t-butyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of methyl t-butyl ether from moist soil is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 5.87X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(4). Methyl t-butyl ether is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 250 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 0% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks(6) indicating that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). No degradation of methyl t-butyl ether occurred after 40 days using a top soil and activated sludge inoculum(7).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), a Koc range of 11-12(2,3) indicates that methyl t-butyl ether is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 5.87X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(4), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4 hours and 4 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), a BCF of 1.5(7) suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Methyl t-butyl ether persists in groundwater under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions because it resists physical, chemical, and microbial degradation(8). Utilizing the Japanese MITI test, 0% of the Theoretical BOD was reached in 4 weeks(9) indicating that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). No degradation of methyl t-butyl ether occurred after 60 days using an inoculum of sandy aquifer material(10).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), methyl t-butyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 250 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase methyl t-butyl ether is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.94X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Aliphatic ethers, such as methyl t-butyl ether, do not absorb light at wavelengths >290 nm(4), and, therefore, methyl t-butyl ether is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Fuel oxygenates are practically non-biodegradable. While results are contradictory, various microcosm studies have shown that methyl t-butyl ether may be subject to biodegradation under oxic and nearly all anoxic conditions, although the rate is not substantial under anoxic conditions. The variability in test results suggest that conditions at the site are important parameters(1). Methyl t-butyl ether, present at 100 mg/L, reached 0% of its theoretical BOD in 4 weeks using an activated sludge inoculum at 30 mg/L in the Japanese MITI test(2).

AEROBIC: An activated sludge aqueous screening study found that methyl t-butyl ether was biodegraded very slowly with a 1% theoretical biological oxygen demand being measured after 21 days incubation(1). Studies of three biological treatment processes indicated that most of the compound could be removed from wastewater by treatment, but it was not determined whether the removal was due to biological activity or to some other processes such as volatilization or adsorption(2). The percentages of the compound removed by a conventional activated sludge process, an activated sludge process supported by powder activated carbon treatment (PACT), and the PACT-process in combination with wet-air regeneration of activated carbon containing surplus sludge were: 85%, 94%, and 95%, respectively(2). Many ethers are known to be resistant to biodegradation(3). In general, most studies have indicated that methyl t-butyl ether is difficult to biodegrade(4). In gasoline-contaminated aquifer microcosms, methyl t-butyl ether biodegraded after a 20-day lag period; the methyl t-butyl ether concentration decreased from an initial concentration of 2.1 mg/L to between 1.0 and 1.5 mg/L, however after 93 days, methyl t-butyl ether concentrations remained constant(5). No biodegradation of methyl t-butyl ether was observed during 232 days incubation in unlimited oxygen microcosm studies using aquifer soil and water(6). In limited oxygen microcosms, there were no discernable losses of methyl t-butyl ether in the aerobic (less than 21 days) or anaerobic period which could be attributed to biodegradation(6). Laboratory microcosm studies using soil and groundwater samples from an area prior to biosparging, showed no noticeable methyl t-butyl ether biodegradation; microcosms containing soil and groundwater from an aerated portion of the plume, showed little biodegradation of methyl t-butyl ether with a half-life of 30 to 45 days(7). No degradation of methyl t-butyl ether occurred after 60 days using an inoculum of sandy aquifer material; no biodegradation occurred after 40 days using a top soil and activated sludge inoculum(8).

ANAEROBIC: Research has shown that methyl t-butyl ether does not biodegrade in anaerobic microcosms, including denitrifying conditions, sulfate-reducing conditions, methanogenic-reducing conditions, and anaerobic conditions in landfill aquifer material, soils, and sludges(1). Methyl t-butyl ether was not biodegraded in aquifer slurries prepared from the methanogenic portion of a shallow anoxic aquifer polluted by municipal landfill leachate(2). 7% loss of methyl t-butyl ether was observed after 85 days incubation in nitrate amended aquifer slurries impacted by landfill leachate; no loss of methyl t-butyl ether was observed in sulfate amended aquifer slurries impacted by landfill leachate(3). After 152 days incubation under methanogenic conditions, a 26-ppm C decrease in the amount of methyl t-butyl ether was observed in fuel impacted river sediment; methyl t-butyl ether was further depleted and a concomitant increase in t-butanol was observed with continued incubation(3). Very limited degradation of methyl t-butyl ether was observed over a 250-day study period in unamended soil/water microcosms(4). Under denitrifying and methanogenic conditions, methyl t-butyl ether was resistant to degradation in organic-rich soils over a 250-day study period(4). Under methanogenic conditions, degradation of methyl t-butyl ether was observed in low organic matter soils with a pH around 5.5; over a 270-day study period, an initial methyl t-butyl ether concentration of 100 mg/L was reduced to less than 1 mg/L in a soil amended with starch, nutrients, and molybdate(4). In microcosm experiments using sediment from three locations, there was no evidence of methyl t-butyl ether biodegradation under anaerobic or low initial oxygen (approx 1 mg/L) conditions(5).

PURE CULTURE: Methyl t-butyl was shown to biodegrade using Methylibium petroleiphilum, Methylibium sp., Aquincola tertiaricarbonis and Rhodococcus ruber isolated from an aerated treatment pond system next to a refinery plant in Leuna, Germany(1). In a cometabloic test of methyl t-butyl ether and ethyl t-butyl ether was degraded by Pseudonocardia K1 via biodegradation and acid hydrolysis to ethyl tert-butyl ether and tert-amyl methyl ether(2). An enrichment culture was developed from biosludges of municipal, refinery and chemical plant processes and acclimated to 30-50 mg/L methyl t-butyl ether and incubated for 60 days. t-Butyl alcohol was identified as a metabolite using the enrichment culture following addition of 120 mg/L methyl t-butyl ether. A peak concentration of fo 50 mg/L was observed after 4 hour incubation, decreasing to not dected at 8 hours incubation(3).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of methyl t-butyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals is 2.94X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 7 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(2). tert-Butyl formate has been identified as the major atmospheric degradation product of methyl t-butyl ether; other degradates include methyl acetate, acetone, tert-butyl alcohol, and formaldehyde(3). The rate constant for the reaction of methyl tert-butyl ether with nitrate radicals is 6.4X10-16 cu cm/molecule-sec at 22 °C(4). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 50 days(SRC) at an average atmospheric concentration of 5X10+8 nitrate radicals per cu cm(5). Methyl t-butyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(6). Aliphatic ethers, such as methyl t-butyl ether, do not absorb light at wavelengths >290 nm(7), and, therefore, methyl t-butyl ether is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Methyl t-butyl ether is not expected to bioaccumulate in surface water aquatic organisms(1). A BCF 1.5 was measured in Japanese carp exposed to methyl t-butyl ether at a concentration of 9.6 to 10.2 ppm over 4 weeks(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Koc of methyl t-butyl ether has been reported to range from 11 to 12(1,2). In an equilibrium adsorption study using Cohansey soil (94% sand, 2% silt, 4% clay, 1.44% organic carbon)/water systems, the solid/liquid phase partition coefficient was calculated to be 0.0925 from the slope of the isotherm(3). This partition coefficient corresponds to a Koc of 6(4). According to a classification scheme(5), these Koc values suggest that methyl t-butyl ether is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Methyl t-butyl ether sorbs only weakly to subsurface solids; therefore, sorption does not substantially retard the transport of methyl t-butyl ether by groundwater(6).

The Henry's Law constant for methyl t-butyl ether is 5.87X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that methyl t-butyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 4 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 4 days(SRC). Methyl t-butyl ether's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Methyl t-butyl ether is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 250 mm Hg(3). A recent survey of 15 air-stripping installations indicated that 56 to 99.9% of the methyl t-butyl ether was removed; the median removal rate was 91%(4). Concentrations of <0.1 ug/L to 12 ug/L were reported in samples from Donner Lake, California, a multiple-use lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The major loss process appeared to be volatilization with a half-life of 193 days in the boating season and 14 days in the off season(5).

GROUNDWATER: As part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment Program, methyl t-butyl ether was detected in 27% of 210 shallow groundwater wells and springs sampled from eight urban areas (24% ranged from 0.2 to 20.0 ug/L, 3% had concentrations exceeding 20.0 ug/L), 1.3% of 549 shallow groundwater wells sampled in 21 agricultural areas, and 1.0% of 412 deeper groundwater wells from 9 major aquifers (the maximum concentration detected was 1.3 ug/L)(1). Methyl t-butyl ether was detected most frequently in samples of shallow groundwater in Denver, CO and New England(1). At a reporting level of 0.5 ug/L, methyl t-butyl ether was the third most frequently detected volatile organic compound occurring in 9% of the water samples collected from 208 monitoring wells distributed throughout Suffolk County, NY between 1993 and 1995; concentrations ranged from 0.6 to 47 ug/L(2). At a reporting level of 5.0 ug/L, methyl t-butyl ether was detected in 7.5% of water samples collected from 86 wells in Kings and Queens Counties, NY, between 1993 and 1995 with concentrations ranging from 5 to 1,000 ug/L(2). At a reporting level of 0.2 ug/L, methyl t-butyl ether was detected in 5 of 36 water samples collected during 1994 and 1996 in northwestern NJ; concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 2.1 ug/L(2). Methyl t-butyl ether has been detected at concentration up to 50 ppb in the Old Bridge aquifer under an industrial plant in South Brunswick Township, NJ (no sampling dates specified)(3). A contamination abatement system installed at this aquifer, including 7 extraction wells and a water treatment facility, reduced the methyl t-butyl ether concentration by an estimated 26%(3). Methyl t-butyl ether was detected in 33 of 133 groundwater wells sampled in the Connecticut, Housatonic, and Thames River basins from 1993 to 1995 at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 5.8 ug/L; methyl t-butyl ether was present in 25% of monitoring wells in the surficial aquifers and in 23% of water-supply wells in the bedrock aquifers, 42% of monitoring wells in urban settings contained methyl t-butyl ether(4). Methyl t-butyl ether was detected in 23 of 29 wells in a survey of groundwater in an unconsolidated alluvial aquifer beneath Denver, CO in 1993; the maximum concentration detected was 23,000 ug/L(5).

GROUNDWATER: Methyl t-butyl ether was detected at an average concentration of 67.6 ug/L (median 8.70 ug/L; maximum of 645 ug/L) in contaminated groundwater samples collected from Dusseldorf, Germany in June, 2003. Concentrations in 91 of 96 samples were greater than the detection limit of 0.001 ug/L(1). The compound exhibited a 10% frequency of detection in 214 groundwater samples from 30 industrial sites in Taiwan(2).

DRINKING WATER: Bank filtered, recovering well water, raw water, and drinking water produced by the water utility at Lower Rhine and tapwater at FrankfurtamMain, Germany were analyzed for methyl t-butyl ether from 1999 to 2001. At the lower Rhine site up to 80 meters from the river, the average compound concentration of 88 ng/L in riverbank filtered water, recovering well water and raw water was reported and a range of 43-100 ng/L in drinking water samples was measured; detection limit = 10 ng/L(1). Methyl tert-butyl ether was detected in drinking water wells serving the city of Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, CA. In the Charnock Well Field, concentrations on August 29, 1995 were 95 and 8.2 ug/L; on March 15, 1996, the concentration in the later well was 610 ug/L. Concentrations reported in the Arcadia Well field on August 28, 1995 was 47 ug/L; a maximum concentration of 86.5 ug/L was reported on August 27, 1996(2). Methyl tert-butyl ether was detected (range of 0.4 to 0.61 ug/L) in 39% of 579 groundwater sources and 375 surface-water sources, randomly collected from May 3, 1999 through October 200 from throughout the US, Native American lands, and Puerto Rico(3). According to a National Survey of 342 wells in 17 states conducted from 1997 to 1998, methyl t-butyl ether was detected at least once in 30 wells; all samples were below the advisory level of 20 ug/L. Eight of 92 surface water sites in 12 sites tested positive for this compound and the highest concentration (25.1 ug/L) was detected downstream from a known gasoline release(4). The U.S. Geological Survey surveyed 1,206 well samples in 2006; methyl t-butyl ether was detected in 43 samples, detection frequency 3.6%(5). Methyl t-butyl ether concentrations in eight of forty private wells sampled in New York State were at or above the detection limit of 1.0 ug/L, exhibiting an average concentration of 10.0 ug/L, maximum of 61 ug/L; sampling was conducted in the vicinity of gasoline stations(6).

DRINKING WATER: Methyl t-butyl concentrations reported in California drinking water sources were reported as follows: 1995: 137 samples, 2.9% positive, 57.8 ug/L average; 1996: 2341 samples, 0.9% positive, 36.5 ug/L average; 1997: 2987 samples, 1.1% positive, average 6.2 ug/L; 1998: 3965 samples, 1.2% positive, average 5.4 ug/L; 1999: 4120 samples, 1.2% positive, average 7.5 ug/L; 2000: 3759 samples, 11.8% positive, average 17.0 ug/L; 2001: 3807 samples, 11.4% positive, average 21.7 ug/L(1). Lake Zurich, which supplies drinking water for the largest Swiss city, tested positive for methyl t-butyl ether which was at 1.4 ug/L maximum in the epilimnion (172 samples, 100% positive detections, mean 0.29, range of 0.10 to 1.4 ug/L; boating season) and up to 0.05 ug/L in the hypolimnion (200 samples, 100% positive detections, mean 0.038; range of 0.030 to 0.047 ug/L, year round). In the off season, the epilimnion mean concentration was 0.059 (59 samples, 100% positive detections, range of 0.0.36 to 0.10 ug/L)(2). Methyl t-butyl ether concentrations in samples from 196 water collection areas for drinking water in The Netherlands analyzed from 2002 to 2007 were reported as follows: 130 sites <0.1 ug/L; 50 sites 0.1-1 ug/L; 12 sites 1-5 ug/L; 1 site 5-15 ug/L; 2 sites 26-260 ug/L; 1 site 260-9400 ug/L(3).

For more Environmental Water Concentrations (Complete) data for Methyl t-butyl ether (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

/GUIDE 127 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Water-Miscible)/ Fire or Explosion: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

/GUIDE 127 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Water-Miscible)/ Health: Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

/GUIDE 127 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Water-Miscible)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

/GUIDE 127 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (Water-Miscible)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for Methyl t-butyl ether (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 2398; Methyl tert-butyl ether

IMO 3; Methyl tert-butyl ether

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials. Methyl tert-butyl ether is included on the dangerous goods list.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article. Methyl tert-butyl ether is included on the dangerous goods list.

Flammable Liquid

Symbol: F, Xi; R: 11-38; S: (2)-9-16-24

UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: II