Health effects of oxygenated fuels.

Abstract

The use of oxygenated fuels is anticipated to increase over the next decades. This paper reviews the toxicological and exposure information for methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), a fuel additive, and methanol, a replacement fuel, and discusses the possible health consequences of exposure of the general public to these compounds. For MTBE, the health effects information available is derived almost exclusively from rodent studies, and the exposure data are limited to a few measurements at some service stations. Based on these data, it appears unlikely that the normal population is at high risk of exposure to MTBE vapor. However, in the absence of health and pharmacokinetic data in humans or in nonhuman primates, this conclusion is not strongly supported. Similarly, there are a number of uncertainties to take into consideration in estimating human risk from the use of methanol as a fuel. Although methanol may be toxic to humans at concentrations that overwhelm certain enzymes involved in methanol metabolism, the data available provide little evidence to indicate that exposure to methanol vapors from the use of methanol as a motor vehicle fuel will result in adverse health effects. The uncertainties in this conclusion are based on the lack of information on dose-response relationship at reasonable, projected exposure levels and of studies examining end points of concern in sensitive species. In developing a quantitative risk assessment, more needs to be known about health effects in primates or humans and the range of exposure expected for the general public for both compounds.

Recent advances in occupational and environmental health hazards of workers exposed to gasoline compounds

“…More so, reports of human data are rare, and the scattered available research information may not be accessible to those at risk. Recently improved research techniques and exposure assessment measures, as well as reformulation of gasoline blends to avoid the harmful heavy metal additives and noxious constituents, such as lead and benzene [10], have improved the quantity and quality of data in research literature, and provide new and interesting results. Some studies provided already known facts, while others reported non-significant information, yet other studies reported that exposure led to adverse health effects, which has generated controversial scientific issues [11], suggesting the need for up-to-date review information on the workrelated ill health of gasoline service station attendants, globally.…”

Hemopoietic System in Traffic Police Exposed to Urban Stressors

“…Consequently this variable does not influence the alteration of HCT levels observed in traffic police. In literature has been observed an increase of HGB levels after chronic exposure to CH 3 OH and MTBE, used as octane enhancer in fuels 8) . In male students exposed to SO 2 , has been observed an increase in RBC, HGB and HCT levels 3) .…”

“…noise) and psycho-social stressors. Studies in literature have suggested that urban pollutants as lead (Pb) 1,2) , sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) 3) , cobalt (Co) 4) , manganese (Mn) 5) , nikel (Ni) 6) , carbon monoxide (CO) 7) , methanol (CH 3 OH) and methyl-ter-butyl-ether (MTBE) 8) may cause alterations of red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) values. The class of workers investigated in this study was constituted by traffic police of a big Italian city, for whom we have already studied the environmental and biological levels of some urban pollutants in previous researches.…”

Fluorescent-Dye Doped Thin-Film Sensors for the Detection of Alcohol Vapors

“…Since fossil fuels are not a renewable source of energy, the need for promising alternatives such as alcohol has steadily increased in demand. Fuels heavily blended with alcohol have shown promise in the automotive industry [1]. In addition, methanol has been actively studied in fuel cells [2].…”