Are you or someone you know suffering from petroleum poisoning in Oahu?
In December 2021, the Navy announced that the Red Hill Well on Oahu had been contaminated by a petroleum leak. The contaminated water has made its way into homes and businesses, poisoning some residents.
One resident described a rash and burning skin that set in after washing her face, while her daughter suffered prolonged uncontrollable muscle spasms.
Petroleum poisoning is often caused by additives to the fuel, specifically methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE). These metabolites are volatile and may cause hepatic, kidney, and central nervous system toxicity resulting in uncontrollable muscle spasms, twitches, nausea, vomiting, swelling, rashes, lightheadedness, dizziness, and more. Fortunately, these symptoms are reversible when the underlying cause is properly diagnosed and treated.
The Great Plains Laboratory specifically tests for MTBE and ETBE in our GPL-TOX Profile diagnostic test through a simple urine sample provided by the patient.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from MTBE and ETBE poisoning, or if you are a practitioner who wants to learn more about how to diagnose for exposure to these metabolites in your patients, please contact us immediately via email or call toll free at 800-288-0383.
If you are interested in learning more about the GPL-TOX Profile and how to order the test for you and your patients, please contact us at your earliest convenience.
