Response of Sensitive Groups to MTBE

Abstract

Media reports in states where methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) was increased in gasoline during the winter months indicated an increase in symptoms. These symptoms were attributed to MTBE. The purpose of the present study was to assess the symptomatic responses of individuals known to report sensitivities to very low-level chemical exposures (multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS) and chronically ill individuals who do not attribute their illness to chemicals (chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS). Fourteen MCS, five CFS, and six normal control subjects of comparable age, education, gender, and ethnicity completed a telephone structured interview regarding symptoms in response to situations in which gasoline with MTBE was used (e.g., driving an automobile, gasoline stations) and not used (e.g., shopping mails, parks). Subjects also completed the Wahler Physical Symptoms Inventory, an assessment of physical symptoms over the past year, and the Symptom Amplification Scale, an indicator of hypervigilance to bodily sensations. MCS and CFS subjects reported more symptoms associated with MTBF (e.g., headache, burning in nose and throat, and dizziness) in all situations, but particularly in shopping malls and gasoline stations. MCS subjects did not report significantly higher levels of symptoms not associated with MTBE (i.e., chills, fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea) in any of the situations. Finally, MCS and CFS subjects reported significantly more symptoms during the past year (Wahler) than normal controls. In conclusion, while the current sample was limited, MTBE symptoms were not uniquely associated with chemical sensitivity or with situations where MTBE was more prevalent.