This paper will attempt to give a context to the current controversies surrounding the potential toxicity of MTBE, particularly to drinking water. As in most debates concerning toxins and their apparent effects (or lack of effects), the two or more sides involved draw upon their socio-political agendas, as well the scientific data. This is neither clearly beneficial to the conflict, nor a deterrent from it. However, this paper will attempt to show in the concluding remarks how scientific enterprises are never absolutely objective themselves. There is ample room for scientific error and this is why when a substance as fundamental as water is involved, it may be prudent to err on the side of doubt where the data seems to be inconclusive. 10 pgs. 14 f/c. 10b.
