RE: MTBE misclassified

Dr. Mehlman's commentary on the decision not to list methyl‐tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in the NTP 9th Report on Carcinogens correctly raises process questions, but also leads back to the public health fundamentals of motor fuel toxicity. I was a voter in the minority for listing MTBE, and also a peer reviewer for the revised criteria for listing substances some years ago. Dr. Mehlman's commentary brings to light a prime example of "Houdini Risk Assessments", risk assessments which make the risk disappear and, therefore, allow industry to escape preventive measures.