Consultation document: proposed risk management for non-pesticidal uses of tributyltin: chapter 2

2 Industrial Uses and Incidental Presence of Tributyltins

2.1 Current Uses

Non-Pesticidal Applications

Tributyltins are not used in Canada, however, they may be found as an impurity in tetrabutyltin (up to 20%) and in mono- and dibutyltin compounds (less than 1%).

Pesticidal Applications

Pesticidal uses of tributyltins are regulated by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA) [HC, 2002].

2.2 Incidental Presence

2.2.1 Mono- and Diorganotins

Mono- and dibutyltins are primarily used in Canada as tin stabilizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing, but are also used in lesser amounts for coatings for glass and as catalysts. The mono- and diorganotins used for these applications may contain less than 1% of tributyltins as an impurity.

The final follow-up ecological assessment report for non-pesticidal organotin compounds concluded that mono- and diorganotins did not meet the criteria under section 64 of CEPA 1999, since harmful concentrations of these substances would not be reached given that there is an Environmental Performance Agreement (EPA) in place respecting the use of tin stabilizers in the vinyl industry.

2.2.2 Tetrabutyltin

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

The final follow-up ecological assessment report for non-pesticidal organotin compounds concluded that tetrabutyltin meets paragraph 64(a) of CEPA 1999.