August 3, 2002

SOME BACKGROUND ON THE MMT CONTROVERSY

More than a decade ago, I launched my investigation into a fuel additive known as MMT (methylcyclopentadienyl manganese carbonyl). It resulted in a long piece in 1992 for Mother Jones Magazine which you can read in this edition of RFW.

Back then, the Ethyl Corporation was battling to introduce its octane-booster into the marketplace, but was thwarted by the Environmental Protection Agency on the grounds that there were health effects associated with MMT. But Ethyl finally was given a waiver in 1995 that would allow the use of MMT in conventional unleaded gasoline (but not in federal and California reformulated gasolines).

Meanwhile, in Canada, MMT has been used for more than two decades.

A study released a few days ago raises serious questions about the potential damage MMT can cause to the environment.

Also, health issues have not been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction - and that’s putting it mildly.

It therefore seemed fitting to put together a package of articles on MMT.

NICHOLAS REGUSH