EDF Praises Canadian House of Commons' Vote Banning MMT

(3 Dec., 1996 — New York) The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) praised the House of Commons for voting late yesterday to ban the use of the controversial manganese-based fuel additive MMT in Canada. This additive, which has been used in Canadian gasoline for almost 20 years, boosts gas octane but does so by using manganese as its key ingredient. Airborne manganese at high doses has been found to cause disabling neurological impairments in movement and speech with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, but the public health impacts of the long-term, lower dose exposures resulting from MMT use are unknown. MMT is manufactured by the Ethyl Corporation, which produced leaded-gas additives for decades.

“Yesterday’s vote is a great victory for public health and the environment,” said EDF attorney Bill Roberts. “Persistent public health and air quality concerns clearly persuaded the House of Commons to remove this additive from the fuel supply. We hope the Canadian Senate will quickly follow the House’s lead.”

The US Environmental Protection Agency had refused to approve MMT for sale based on health concerns, but in December, 1995 was compelled to allow the sale by a narrow court ruling that did not address health issues. A recent EDF survey, however, shows that 85% of US oil refiners have confirmed they are not currently using MMT. In addition, the American Automobile Manufacturer’s Association has adopted specifications for US gasoline advising consumers not to use manganese gas additives due to possible damage to automotive systems.

“MMT is also considered to be a major problem for automakers who are convinced the additive fouls the sensitive diagnostic equipment on new model cars. Clearly, oil refiners in the US and automakers are continuing to rebuff MMT even though it has been legal to purchase it in America since last year. Until pending health and automotive concerns with MMT are resolved, this is a product that deserves to sit on the shelf,” said Roberts.

Adequate toxicity testing has never been completed on MMT. In the next few months the US Environmental Protection Agency is scheduled to order Ethyl to conduct such tests.