Triphenyltin

TFTO, Trifenyltennoxid, som Sn

 There are four main categories of organotin compounds, characterised by the number of organic groups included: tetra-, tri-, di- and mono-organotin compounds. Triphenyltin belongs to the group tri-organotin compounds.¹

Uses

Triphenyltin and its compounds are used as pesticides but the use is strictly limited through various bans.² Since the 1960’s, triphenyltin compounds have had a broad use as pesticides in marine antifouling paints to inhibit algae and mollusc growth as well as for protection against fungus growth.³ To a lesser extent, tri-organotin compounds have also been used as a biocide in wood preservatives and as other preservative.⁴ Triphenyltin may also be used in paints as an antimicrobial agent.⁵

Sources and transportation pathways

Because of the extensive period that triphenyltin compounds have been used in antifouling paints, these substances have spread to the marine environment and accumulated in sediments. Despite the ban that prohibits current use, high concentrations still occur in sediments from for example marinas.⁶ Its use as a wood and paper preservative results in contamination of the land close to forest industries such as sawmills and paper mills.⁷ The most important transportation pathway of these substances today is by diffuse emissions from for example contaminated sediment to water. Another important transportation route comes from diffuse emissions from the use of products and goods that contain traces of triphenyltin compounds.⁸

Effects on environment and health

Tri-organotin compounds exhibit properties that severely affect the health and environment. They are toxic to humans by digestion, skin contact and inhalation. They are also very toxic to aquatic organisms causing long-term effects.⁹ Triphenyltin compounds are also flammable.¹⁰

International agreements and regulations

As of July 2003, marine antifouling paints including organotin compounds may not be used on ships registered within the EU.¹¹ In 2008, the international maritime organization (IMO) adopted a binding convention banning the use of organotin compounds in marine antifouling paints.¹² Triphenyltin is regulated by the REACH regulation (EG 1907/2006). Organotin compounds are regulated by the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). The presence of organotin compounds in products is regulated by REACH (EC 1907/2006) and the Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC). The EU E-PRTR regulation regulates how data on triphenyltin emissions is made available.

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¹https://www.kemi.se/prio-start/kemikalier-i-praktiken/kemikaliegrupper/tennorganiska-foreningar
² https://rib.msb.se/Portal/Template/Pages/Kemi/Substance.aspx?id=6896&q=trifenyltenn&p=1
³http://www.inchem.org/documents/cicads/cicads/cicad13.htm
⁴https://www.kemi.se/prio-start/
⁵https://www.kemi.se/global/tillsyns-pm/2014/tillsyn-5-14-analyser-2008-2013.pdf
⁶http://www.havet.nu/dokument/Havet2007-tbt.pdf
⁷http://www.naturvardsverket.se/upload/stod-i-miljoarbetet/vagledning/fororenade-omraden/organiskatennforeningar.pdf
⁸ https://www.kemi.se/global/tillsyns-pm/2014/tillsyn-5-14-analyser-2008-2013.pdf  
⁹https://rib.msb.se/Portal/Template/Pages/Kemi/Substance.aspx?id=6896&q=trifenyltenn&p=1
¹⁰https://rib.msb.se/Portal/Template/Pages/Kemi/Substance.aspx?id=6896&q=trifenyltenn&p=1
¹¹http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/SV/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32003R0782&from=SV
¹²http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Anti-foulingSystems/Pages/Default.aspx