Tributyl Tin (TBT)

• Background
• TBT Monitoring and Research in Wisconsin
• Cleanup and Management of TBT in Wisconsin
• Options to Reduce TBT
• National, International, and Other TBT Initiatives

Background

Previous And Current Sources: Tributyl tin (TBT) has been used as an anti-fouling biocide and as a fungicide in paints. It is a restricted use pesticide in the United States (Wisconsin, IPCM) (exit DNR)

Health Effects:

Ecological Effects: TBT is extremely toxic to aquatic life and is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that causes severe reproductive effects in aquatic organisms. TBT is extremely stable and resistant to natural degradation in water. Because of its chemical properties and widespread use as an antifouling agent, concerns have been raised over the risks it poses to both freshwater and saltwater organisms. January 5, 2004 EPA published in the Federal Register a final ambient acute and chronic water quality criteria document for tributyltin (TBT). Canada has been conducting research to characterize the occurrence, persistence and fate of TBT in the Great Lakes (EPA Binational Strategy) (exit DNR)

Trade Names:

EPA Substance Registry Information: The registry lists Stannane, tributyl- (CAS# 688-73-3) as the systematic name for the chemical commonly known as Tributyl Tin or Tributyltin (TBT). The registry lists at least 18 other chemicals containing Tributyltin.

TBT Monitoring and Research in Wisconsin

Source Monitoring and Reporting

• TRI data for Wisconsin facilities reporting releases can be retrieved at EPA’s TRI Explorer (exit DNR). TRI does not require facilities to report on tributylitin (CAS# 688-73-3) but they are required to report on several chemical compounds that contain triutyltin including: Tributyltin fluoride (CAS# 1983-10-4); Tributyltin methacrylate (CAS# 2155-70-6) and Bis(tributyltin) oxide (CAS# 56-35-9).

Laboratory Certification

• The Department of Natural Resources certifies and registers laboratories to perform lead tests for soil, water and waste testing for many of the agency's environmental programs. It does not appear to have certification requirements for TBT.

Cleanup and Management of TBT in Wisconsin

Air Management

• Tributyl Tin is included as a hazardous air pollutant in the revision to NR 445 that was adopted at the February 24-25, 2004 Natural Resources Board meeting.

Remediation and Redevelopment

• The DNR’s RR program assists Responsible Parties with site investigation and clean up of any "hazardous substance" releases in Wisconsin. This would include releases containing TBT (Tributyl Tin) that contaminate soil or groundwater. RR program guidance on investigations and clean ups can be found at the RR program web site.

Waste Management

• Solid waste containing TBT contaminated materials are regulated in Wisconsin as solid wastes Waste Management program guidance on can be found at the WA program web site.

Options to Reduce TBT

• In January 2003 several companies have voluntarily requested that EPA cancel pesticide registrations for their paint products containing Bis(Tributyltin) Oxide and Tributyltin Methacrylate (EPA Federal Register) (exit DNR).
• Check for additional alternatives to Tributylin and ways to reduce Tributylin on Wisconsin’s Pollution Prevention Partnership Website

National, International and other TBT Initiatives

• The Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy, US EPA (exit DNR) includes Tributyltin as a Level II priority chemical.
• Canada has undertaken several initiatives related to Tributytin and other Level II priority chemicals (EPA Binational Strategy) (exit DNR)