Why are organotins toxic?

Why are organotins toxic?

Absorbed tin is mostly stored in bone and excreted via urine (1). Tin is a trace element that is required in bone formation. Tin may occur in an inorganic or organic form. Some of the organotin compounds can be quite toxic causing neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity or dermal toxicity (1).

What is TBT contaminant?

Tributyltin (TBT) is a toxic chemical used for various industrial purposes such as slime control in paper mills, disinfection of circulating industrial cooling waters, antifouling agents, and the preservation of wood. TBT compounds have been detected in a number of environmental samples.

Is TBT a persistent organic pollutant?

Tributyltin (TBT) is a persistent and widely distributed immunotoxic organic pollutant; although not currently subject to the Stockholm protocol, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s oral reference dose for TBT is based on increased susceptibility to infection (http://www.epa.gov/IRIS/subst/0349.htm) and was …

What is organotin or tributyltin TBT )?

Tributyltin (TBT) is an umbrella term for a class of organotin compounds which contain the (C4H9)3Sn group, with a prominent example being tributyltin oxide. For 40 years TBT was used as a biocide in anti-fouling paint, commonly known as bottom paint, applied to the hulls of ocean going vessels.

What is organotin used for?

Organotin compounds are widely applied as pesticides; as preservatives of wood, paper, textiles, leather, and glass; in heat/light protection of PVC plastics; and in antifouling paints. The use of dialkyltin compounds can cause hepatotoxicity, whereas trialkyltin compounds can cause neurotoxicity.

Is tributyltin banned?

The Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention), which was adopted in 2001 and will come into force in September 2008, bans the use of TBT (tributyltin) antifouling paint on ships.

What is DBT chemical?

Dibenzothiophene (DBT) is the organosulfur compound consisting of two benzene rings fused to a central thiophene ring. It is a colourless solid that is chemically somewhat similar to anthracene.

Is TBT banned?

A milestone in the protection of the oceans was reached today as a global ban on tributyltin (TBT) – one of the most toxic chemicals deliberately released into the sea – entered into force.

What is antifouling agent?

Definition of antifouling agent: A substance which prevents or retards fouling or marine underwater growth on plants, rocks, ships’ bottoms etc.

What is meant by organotin compound?

Organotin compounds or stannanes are chemical compounds based on tin with hydrocarbon substituents. Organotin chemistry is part of the wider field of organometallic chemistry. The area grew rapidly in the 1900s, especially after the discovery of the Grignard reagents, which are useful for producing Sn-C bonds.

What are the disadvantages associated with tributyltin compounds?

In mammals, high levels of TBT can affect the endocrine glands, upsetting the hormone levels in the pituitary, gonad and thyroid glands. Large doses of TBT have been shown to damage the reproductive and central nervous systems, bone structure, and the gastrointestinal tract of mammals.

Are dibutyl and tributyltin toxic?

Toxicity of Organotins in humans Workers handling dibutyl- and tributyltin have reported eye irritation and skin lesions (1) and mucus irritation after exposure to interior paints containing tin ( 3). Toxicity of organotins in humans is most frequently reported as loss of memory and insomnia as well as other symptoms including death ( 4).

What is a synonym for butyltin?

Synonyms. monobutyltin. mono-n-butyltin. butyltin (3+) Butyltin (MBT) NCGC00249229-01. Molecular Weight. 175.82 g/mol. Date s.

How much di-n-butyltin does it take to reduce relative thymic weight?

Dose levels reducing the relative thymic weight by 50% were 18 mg/kg di-n-butyltin dichloride and 29 mg/kg tri-n-butyltin chloride.