This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about tin. For more information, you may call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. This information is important because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.

Highlights

The main route of exposure to tin and tin compounds is by eating food contaminated with these compounds. Swallowing large amounts of inorganic tin compounds may cause stomachache, anemia, and liver and kidney problems. Humans exposed for a short period of time to some organic tin compounds have experienced skin and eye irritation and neurological problems; exposure to very high amounts may be lethal. Metallic tin and inorganic tin compounds have been found in at least 214 of the 1,662 National Priority List (NPL) sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Organic tin compounds have been identified in at least 8 of the NPL sites.

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