RESPONSE OF SENSITIVE GROUPS TO MTBE

Media reports in states where methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) was i ncreased in gasoline during the winter months indicated an increase in symptoms. These symptoms were attributed to MTBE. The purpose of the present study was to assess the symptomatic responses of individuals k nown to report sensitivities to very low-level chemical exposures (mul tiple chemical sensitivities, MCS) and chronically ill individuals who do not attribute their illness to chemicals (chronic fatigue syndrome , CFS). Fourteen MCS, five CFS, and six normal control subjects of com parable age, education, gender, and ethnicity completed a telephone st ructured interview regarding symptoms in response to situations in whi ch gasoline with MTBE was used (e.g., driving an automobile, gasoline stations) and not used (e.g., shopping malls, parks). Subjects also co mpleted the Wahler Physical Symptoms Inventory, an assessment of physi cal symptoms over the past year, and the Symptom Amplification Scale, an indicator of hypervigilance to bodily sensations. MCS and CFS subje cts reported more symptoms associated with MTBE (e.g., headache, burni ng in nose and throat, and dizziness) in all situations, but particula rly in shopping malls and gasoline stations. MCS subjects did not repo rt significantly higher levels of symptoms not associated with MTBE (i .e., chills, fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea) in any of the situatio ns. Finally, MCS and CFS subjects reported significantly more symptoms during the past year (Wahler) than normal controls. In conclusion, wh ile the current sample was limited, MTBE symptoms were not uniquely as sociated with chemical sensitivity or with situations where MTBE was m ore prevalent.