Tributyltin

Other names

TBT, tributylstannane

Properties

  • includes, among others, tributyltin hydride and bis(tributyltin)oxide (TBTO)
  • 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          1 kg/year
  • Soil              1 kg/year

Impacts

  • toxic
  • hormonally active effect
  • very toxic to aquatic organisms

Measures

  • banned in marine paints since 2003 by the International Maritime Organisation
  • banned since 2005 in Switzerland
  • banned since 2008 in the EU

Contact
Last modification 16.12.2016

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