EU report ups estimated organotin health risks
Link |
http://www.env-health.org/a/2017 |
Elements |
Tin
|
Species |
Organic |
Topic |
Information - Human Health/Nutrition/Metabolism |
Owner |
Organization |
Location |
---- |
Language |
English |
Description
EU report ups estimated organotin health risks
.Source: ENDS Environment Daily,15/02/06
Organotin compounds used in soft PVC printed on clothing present a toxic risk to children, according to a targeted risk assessment carried out for the European commission. The analysis also concludes that children are at risk from organotin exposure through eating fish products and inhaling household dust. The findings may prompt EU regulatory action.
The assessment was done by consultancy RPA and is its third attempt to quantify the risks posed by organotins, a diverse group of chemicals used as biocides and chemical stabilisers. The EU’s top risk assessment review panel criticised earlier versions for underestimating the potential risks posed by the substances.
RPA says its latest effort looks at sources of organotin exposure previously ignored and gives a more accurate picture of the risks. It concludes that risk reduction measures already agreed are not enough to eliminate risks to children. These include voluntary industry initiatives to end the use of organotins in wood preservatives and baking papers, and a separate ban on tributlytin (TBT) biocides in consumer products.
The analysis adds that exposure to adult populations located close to organotin production plants and, to a lesser extent, PVC processing plants, could also be producing unacceptable risks.
Levels of TBT contamination in the marine environment will remain dangerously high for "some time" despite an EU ban on its use in anti-fouling paints on ships, the study also find.
This article was published on Monday 20th February 2006.
|