| QUESTIONS | ANSWERS |
|---|---|
| What is this chemical? | Tin is a soft, pliable, silvery-white metal. Tin is not easily oxidized and resists corrosion because it is protected by an oxide film. Tin resists corrosion from distilled sea and soft tap water, and can be attacked by strong acids, alkalis and acid salts. |
| What is its purpose? | Tin is used in for can coating: tin-plated steel containers are widely used for food preservation. Tin foil was once a common wrapping material for foods and drugs, now replaced by the use of aluminium foil.
Tin oxide is insoluble and the ore strongly resists weathering, so the amount of tin in soils and natural waters is low. |
| Where is it found? |
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HEALTH CONCERNS Is this chemical a carcinogen? No. How can it affect me? Tin is mainly applied in various organic substances. The organic tin bonds are the most dangerous forms of tin for humans. Despite the dangers they are applied in a great number of industries, such as the paint industry and the plastic industry, and in agriculture through pesticides. The number of applications of organic tin substances is still increasing, despite the fact that we know the consequences of tin poisoning.
The effects of organic tin substances can vary. They depend upon the kind of substance that is present and the organism that is exposed to it. Triethyltin is the most dangerous organic tin substance for humans.
Humans can absorb tin bonds through food and breathing and through the skin. The uptake of tin bonds can cause acute effects as well as long-term effects.
Acute effects are:
- Eye and skin irritations
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Sickness and dizziness
- Severe sweating
- Breathlessness
- Urination problems
Long-term effects are:
- Depressions
- Liver damage
- Malfunctioning of immune systems
- Chromosomal damage
- Shortage of red blood cells
- Brain damage (causing anger, sleeping disorders, forgetfulness and headaches)
Organic tin components can maintain in the environment for long periods of time. They are very persistent and not fairly biodegradable. Organic tins can spread through the water systems. They are known to cause a great deal of harm to aquatic ecosystems, as they are very toxic to fungi, algae and phytoplankton.
Are there controversial issues? No.
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