Where It Comes From
Antifouling ship paints/coatings, paint manufacturing and removal, leaching from old hull coatings and contaminated marina sediments [1][2][3].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing dust or vapors and skin contact during mixing, application, scraping, or sanding; contact with paint chips/sludge at boatyards; occasionally by eating seafood from polluted waters [1][2].
Why It Matters
Short-term exposure can irritate skin/eyes and cause nausea or dizziness; repeated exposure to tributyltins can damage immune, nervous, and reproductive systems in animals; extremely toxic to snails and fish; cancer evidence in humans is inadequate [1][3].
Who Is at Risk
Boatyard/shipyard workers, painters/blasters/divers, people near marinas or ship repair areas; pregnant people, infants, and children are more susceptible [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Avoid dry-sanding old antifouling paints; choose non-TBT products; wear gloves, coveralls, and a respirator when disturbing coatings; keep kids away from boatyard dust; follow seafood advisories; dispose of paint waste as hazardous [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Tin and Tin Compounds. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. HHS.
- [2]U.S. EPA. Ambient Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Tributyltin (TBT) — Final. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- [3]WHO IPCS. Environmental Health Criteria 116: Tributyltin Compounds. World Health Organization.