Toxic hazards of antifouling paints

ABSTRACT

THE antifouling paint coatings industry has been developing new organotin based formulations which are designed to protect ships for long periods. Studies of the acute toxicity of Bis [Tri-N-Butyltin] oxide, tributytin fluoride and triphenyltin fluoride are reviewed together with a 90 day subacute dermal study and an animal study of the carcingenicity of tributytin fluoride. Presentation of the safe application of organtin antifouling compounds in Shipyards is included in this report. Organotin antifouling paints have been used safely in shipyards in the past and they are known to irritate the skin, the eye and even the upper respiratory tract. Tin oxide, a naturally occurring mineral is the result of organotins dealkylation. Tin oxide is very much present in our environment and has no history of adverse effects on marine organisms