Mobilizing the Region

Issue 206 February 5, 1999


Around the Region

According to a University of Pennsylvania medial researcher, a controversial gasoline additive meant to clean the air has had an unintended effect - a dramatic increase in asthma. Citing statistical and anecdotal evidence from clinics, hospitals and schools in the Philadelphia area, the University of Pennsylvania scientist said there has been "an explosion of asthma'' since methyl tertiary butyl ether, or MTBE, was added to gasoline under a clean-air program in that area in 1993. He admitted to not being able to prove the apparent link between asthma and MTBE use. Oil and gasoline industry proponents of MTBE claim the additive poses no more health risks than gasoline without it. Hartford Courant


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