Where It Comes From
Made for use as a solvent and intermediate in manufacturing; also a common breakdown product of MTBE/ETBE in groundwater near fuel releases [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing vapors at work or during product use, skin contact with liquid, or drinking well water impacted by fuel-oxygenate contamination [1][2][3].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure may cause irritation, headache, dizziness, and nausea; very high levels can depress the central nervous system [3]. Long-term animal studies found kidney/liver effects and tumors [1][4].
Who Is at Risk
Workers in fuel, solvent, and lab settings; people using private wells near leaking underground storage tanks or MTBE plumes [2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Use in well-ventilated areas; keep containers closed; wear appropriate PPE at work [3]. If near known MTBE/TBA contamination, test private wells and use safe alternative or certified treatment [2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for tert-Butyl Alcohol (TBA). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]EPA. Technical Fact Sheet – Tert-Butyl Alcohol (TBA). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- [3]CDC/NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: tert-Butyl alcohol. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- [4]NTP. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of tert-Butyl Alcohol (CAS 75-65-0) in Rats and Mice (TR-640). National Toxicology Program.