Organotins - Assessment Report on Issues of Concern

A two-page summary of the information on organotins contained in the 2020 UNEP Assessment Report on Issues of Concern: Chemicals and Waste Issues Posing Risks to Human Health and the Environment and the 2019 Global Chemicals Outlook II. Organotins are organic compounds that contain at least one tin-carbon bond. There are four main groups of organotin compounds, which are used in various applications. Mono- and di-organotins are mainly used as heat stabilisers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in a wide range of applications, including window frames and house siding, PVC pipes, food contact blister packs and water bottles. Tri-organotins are mainly used as biocides (e.g. in wood preservatives, in anti-fouling paints for boats and in textiles) and as pesticides. Tetra-organotins have been used as intermediates in the preparation of other organotins and as oil stabilisers.