Bis(tributyltin) oxide

Exposure related observations in humans: other data

Administrative data

Endpoint:

exposure-related observations in humans: other data

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Study period:

not stated

Reliability:

4 (not assignable)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

documentation insufficient for assessment

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

study report

Title:

Unnamed

Year:

1991

Materials and methods

Endpoint addressed:

not applicable

Test guideline

Qualifier:

no guideline available

Principles of method if other than guideline:

The report is a summary of exposure studies that were conducted for operators that use wood preservatives containing TBTO, proposals for engineering controls, information relating to personal protective equipment, and a proposed risk assessment for users.

GLP compliance:

not specified

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Tributyltin oxide (TBTO)

IUPAC Name:

Tributyltin oxide (TBTO)

Details on test material:

No information available

Method

Ethical approval:

not specified

Details on study design:

Work was undertaken to provide further information on the exposure of operators to TBTO when wood preservatives containing this chemical are used for the industrial pre-treatment of timber. The investigations reported include assessment of airborne exposure, both the TBTO and to carrier solvent.

Exposure assessment:

estimated

Details on exposure:

Results indicate that respiratory exposure is normally well within the prevailing EH40 limits. Skin contact may thus present the most significant form of exposure and is not totally eliminated by the use of PPE. However, the results clearly demonstrate that exposure to TBTO does not automatically imply absorption thereof particularly as the biological monitoring revealed that in only one of the three operators monitored was there even slight elevation in the quantity of TBTO detected in the urine.

Results and discussion

Results:

The extent of respiratory exposure was monitored with full-shift monitoring by personal samples; results indicate a low level of exposure far below the current occupational exposure standards. Monitoring exposure to TBTO through a full shift, and during the period immediately following the opening of treatment plants. Results suggest that the maximum potential is below the current occupational exposure standards. Exposure is substantially reduced, but not eliminated by the PPE used.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

Results indicate that respiratory exposure is normally well within the prevailing EH40 limits. Skin contact may thus present the most significant form of exposure and is not totally eliminated by the use of PPE. However, the results clearly demonstrate that exposure to TBTO does not automatically imply absorption thereof particularly as the biological monitoring revealed that in only one of the three operators monitored was there even slight elevation in the quantity of TBTO detected in the urine.

Executive summary:

This report presented the results of work which was undertaken to provide further information on the exposure of operators to TBTO when wood preservatives containing this chemical are used for the industrial pre-treatment of timber. The investigations reported include assessment of airborne exposure, both the TBTO and to carrier solvent. Results from both personal and static samplers were reported. Additionally, dermal exposure was assessed by the analysis of cotton garments worn underneath PPE, part of this assessment was structured in such a way as to provide a direct indication of the effectiveness of protective gloves.

Results indicate that respiratory exposure is normally well within the prevailing EH40 limits. Skin contact may thus present the most significant form of exposure and is not totally eliminated by the use of PPE. However, the results clearly demonstrate that exposure to TBTO does not automatically imply absorption thereof particularly as the biological monitoring revealed that in only one of the three operators monitored was there even slight elevation in the quantity of TBTO detected in the urine.