Systematic evaluation of the evidence base on methyl <i>tert</i>-butyl ether supporting a lack of concern for carcinogenic hazard in humans based on animal cancer studies and mechanistic data.

ABSTRACT: 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. Since then, additional studies have been published that substantially added to the evidence base to examine the carcinogenic potential of MTBE in humans. A systematic literature search and review was conducted to identify mechanistic data, as well as studies investigating cancer in MTBE-exposed humans and experimental animals. Critical appraisal was performed for relevant studies with mechanistic data organized and evaluated within Key Characteristics of Carcinogens (KCCs). Three standard animal cancer bioassays showed a

SUBMITTER: Borghoff SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11903976 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature