Properties
- a tin atom with up to four organic substituents (groups of atoms)
- examples: tributyltin, bis(tributyltin tin)oxide (TBTO)
- various, e.g. colourless to yellowish liquid
Main sources
- anti-fouling agent in marine paints (leaching)
- stabilisers in plastics (leaching)
- disinfectants used against fungal attack in wood, textiles, leather, paper, industrial coolants, seeds
- industrial waste water
Thresholds for the reporting requirement of facilities in accordance with Annex 2 PRTRO
(Ordinance on the Register relating to Pollutant Release and the Transfer of Waste and of Pollutants in Waste Water)
- Air -
- Water 50 kg/year
- Soil 50 kg/year
Impacts
- organotin compounds with three organic by-products: very toxic, hormonally active effect, very toxic to aquatic organisms
- other organotin compounds: less toxic
Measures
- banned in marine paints since 2003 by the International Maritime Organisation
