The law firm of Baron and Budd P.C. has represented plaintiffs in a number of high-profile water contamination lawsuits. Still a poorly understood issue, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has threatened water supplies across the United States.

As leaded gasoline began being phased out in the late 1970s, MTBE was added to gasoline by oil companies in order to reduce carbon monoxide and ozone emissions. An oxygenate, MTBE boosts the oxygen content of gasoline and acts as an air pollution control. Unfortunately, MTBE is a potential water contaminant and very expensive to clean up.

Highly soluble in water, trace amounts of MTBE can render large supplies of water undrinkable. In addition, MTBE flows through dirt and other materials until it encounters water, meaning that gasoline spills can easily seep into nearby groundwater supplies. MTBE also fails to break down in nature, leading to contamination that can build up over time. Across the United States, MTBE contamination is a growing problem, and some municipalities have had to shut down their drinking water supplies as a result.

MTBE can have deleterious effects when it enters the body. Studies focused on inhaled MTBE have shown a cancer risk involved, and based on this evidence the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several state authorities have issued guidelines for acceptable ingestion levels. MTBE has been placed on the Contaminant Candidate List for drinking water, which means that additional research needs to be conducted on the precise effects of the chemical on human health.

Alternatives to MTBE exist, many of which are less harmful to human health. However, they are more expensive to use and for this reason, the oil and gas industry has resisted changes. Baron and Budd focuses on litigation aimed at holding oil companies responsible for the environmental degradation caused by MTBE, which some experts predict will cost upward of $29 billion to clean up.

Baron and Budd P.C. has been helping victims of toxic exposure for over 30 years. This nationally acclaimed law firm places much importance on handling cases with compassion and diligence. Overall, this law firm’s experience can make litigation less daunting for all Baron and Budd clients in a variety of lawsuits. This distinguished law firm is already well known for its landmark settlement for over 150 public water companies in 17 states that were dealing with MTBE contamination. If you’re searching for a seasoned attorney to help with a related lawsuit or claim, then contact the practiced attorneys at Baron and Budd P.C.