explanation
The group of organotin compounds (also referred to as stannanes) are among the most toxic chemicals that humans have consciously put into circulation. Technically, the most important subgroups are monobutyltin compounds (MBT), dibutyltin compounds (DBT), tributyltin compounds (TBT), dioctyltin compounds and triphenyltin compounds (TPT). The majority of organotin compounds produced worldwide are used as stabilisers in polyvinyl chloride. Furthermore, they are used as antifouling agents for boat paints, as biocides, preservatives in paints and sealants, as wood preservatives, and as disinfectants for textiles, leather and paper. The majority of silicon-based sealants contains small amounts of organotin compounds (at ppm magnitudes) as catalysts, and in some sealants, they serve as biocides. In the latter case, their concentrations are much higher, and they have to be included in the safety data sheet. Several frequently used organotin compounds have either been proved to be PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic) substances or are being tested in this regard.
In long-term and short-term animal testing, a number of effects of organotin compounds (especially TBT compounds) have been described, including effects on the liver, the haematological and endocrine systems, as well as endocrine (hormone-like) effects, which may also increase tumour susceptibility. As the ecotoxic effects that organotin compounds have on aquatic ecosystems are regarded as most critical, these substances have explicitly been prohibited as main pollutants under Annex VIII to Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive). In antifoulings, they have been prohibited since 1990 [BMUJF 1990].
References:
Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJL 327, 22/12/2000 P. 0001).
Bundesamt für Gesundheitlichen Verbraucherschutz und Veterinärmedizin: Tributylzinn (TBT) und andere zinnorganische Verbindungen in Lebensmitteln und verbrauchernahen Produkten (Stellungnahme vom 6. März 2000
Verordnung des Bundesministers für Umwelt, Jugend und Familie vom 16. August 1990 über das Verbot bestimmter gefährlicher Stoffe in Unterwasser-Anstrichmitteln (Antifoulings), BGBl. 230/1990, S. 3763
Thumulla. J u. W. Hagenau: Organozinnverbindungen in PVC-Böden und Hausstaub, AGÖF 2001
In products based on silicone or MS-hybrids, organotin compounds are only admissible as catalysts at a maximum concentration of 0.1% by weight (1000 ppm).
Proof:
Manufacturer's declaration.
Alternatively, the corresponding baubook declaration may serve as evidence (www.baubook.info/oea).
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minimum requirement
background, sources