Systematic evaluation of the evidence base on ethyl <i>tert</i>-butyl ether and <i>tert</i>-butyl alcohol for carcinogenic potential in humans; lack of concern based on animal cancer studies and mechanistic data.

ABSTRACT: Ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), a fuel additive, and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), a solvent and metabolite of ETBE and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), may be encountered via inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure. This assessment evaluated the human carcinogenic hazard of ETBE and TBA by systematically reviewing available human, animal, and mechanistic data. No epidemiological studies were identified, and two standard cancer bioassays were available for each compound. Tumor responses were limited to low incidences at high exposure levels: liver tumors in male F344 rats, kidney tumors in male F344 rats, and thyroid tumors in female B6C3F1 mice exposed to ETBE or TBA, respectively. Mechanistic evidence was organized within the framework of the key characteristics of carcinogen

SUBMITTER: Rivera BN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12723127 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature