HC Deb 07 February 2002 vol 379 c1147W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants is considering the possible effects on(a)animal health and(b)human health of the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether in petrol; and if he will make a statement. [13226]

Yvette Cooper

The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) advises the Chief Medical Officer on the possible effects of air pollutants on human health. No advice is provided on animal health.

COMEAP has considered the possible effects on human health that might occur as a result of exposure to concentrations of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) that may be produced as a result of the addition of MTBE to petrol as an octane enhancer. The concentrations likely to be produced are low and no significant effects on public health are expected. The COMEAP statement on this topic has been placed in the Library.