Antifouling organotin release

Messiha, N.N. and N.E. Ikladious. 1986. Antifouling performance of some new organotin polymers in the Mediterranean and Red Sea. Jour. Controlled Release 3 235-242. 

Trisubstituted organotins are useful biocides in agriculture and industry. They function as fungicides, bactericides, antihelminthics, and rodent repellents (WHO 1980). Tributyltins are used as antifoulants in marine paints but are restricted by the Organotin Antifouling Paints Control Act (June 16, 1988) which limits the type of vessel on which these paints can be used and sets acceptable release limits (U.S. Bureau of Mines 1989). Bis(tributyltin)oxide is used as a preservative for wood products, leather, ropes, fabrics, and paper. 

Tributyltin has been monitored in harbor areas due to concern about release of this compound to water from antifouling paints and its toxicity to aquatic life. Concentrations reported ranged from not detected to 0.8 pg/L (EPA 1988c). Reported total organotin concentrations in surface water ranged from 0 to 900 mg/L (EPA 1982a). 

These assumptions are based on extensive experience within the paint industry of the measured release rates of copper and tin biocides from organotin copolymer and first generation TBT-free antifouling paints. 

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