Effect of inorganic tin compounds

Tne effectiveness of inorganic tin compounds as flame and smoke retardants, both alone and in combination with inorganic fillers, in several halogen-free thermoplastic, thermosetting and elastomeric substrates, is currently under investigation at the ITRI. 

The health effects of inorganic tin compounds have been chiefly studied in animals after oral exposure, as shown in Figure 2-4. The figure also shows that no inhalation studies and only a few dermal studies were located regarding health effects from inorganic tin compounds. 

FIGURE 2-4. Existing Information on Health Effects of Inorganic Tin Compounds... 

There is essentially no information concerning effects in humans or animals after inhalation of inorganic tin compounds except for deposits of tin observed in the lungs of workers exposed for a long time. No functional changes or systemic disease were observed and this finding has not been noted in animals. 

Intermediate-Duration Exposure. There are currently no data concerning the effects of inorganic tin or organotin compounds on humans for this exposure duration for the inhalation, oral, or dermal routes of exposure. 

Inorganic tin compounds, in particular, zinc hydroxystannate and zinc stannate, are effective fire retardants in a number of polymer systems. They appear to have advantages over certain existing commercial additives, namely ... 

Lethal and sublethal effects of inorganic and organic tin compounds in ambient medium to selected species of aquatic organisms... 

Table 8.8 Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Inorganic and Organic Tin Compounds in Ambient Medium...

No systemic effects have been reported from industrial exposure. Some inorganic tin compounds can cause skin or eye irritation because of acid or alkaline reaction produced with water. Tin tetrachloride, stannous chloride, and stannous sulfate are strong acids sodium and potassium stannate are strong... 

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