Consultation document on proposed risk management measure for tetrabutyltin: chapter 2

2 Industrial Use of Tetrabutyltin

2.1 Current Uses and Industrial Sectors

Tetrabutyltin is used as a raw material for the production of mono- and dibutyltin compounds in Canada. The tetrabutyltin used as the raw material can contain up to 20% tributyltins as an impurity.

2.2 Releases and Exposure Sources to the Environment

In Canada, releases of tetrabutyltin to the environment could occur as a result of manufacturing, formulation and blending processes, principally during equipment cleaning operations, the handling of tetrabutyltin, and during cleaning of liquid residue remaining in shipping containers.