Organotins are a group of compounds which have a variety of properties and uses. The focus of this Concise International Chemical Assessment Document (CICAD) is on those mono-and disubstituted organotins mainly used as stabilizers in PVC, as catalysts for the production of electrodeposited coatings, in silicone rubbers, and in powder and glass coatings. The CICAD evaluates the health and environmental effects of these organotins and presents a summary of the uncertainties inherent in the risk characterization of this group of compounds.

Organotin compounds, used as antifouling biocides since 1960, are chemical compounds that act as endocrine disrupters. It is not known how organotin compounds cause hormone disturbance, however, and many questions remain about their effect on aquatic organisms. Studies on organotin compounds have recently evolved, with many new findings reported. Following a worldwide ban on organotin compounds in 2008, alternative compounds will mainly be used, with the potential for coastal areas to become contaminated, causing, among other effects, cholinesterase inhibition in aquatic organisms. Use of alternative compounds must be controlled to avoid such errors. These and other findings are described and concisely summarized in this book, providing a useful reference in countries where alternative biocides are being considered. Included are studies on the effects on marine organisms, making this book an excellent aid to experts in environmental chemistry, to government organizations, and to students.

"IPCS, International Programme on Chemical Safety"--Cover.

This document on inorganic chromium (III) compounds provides summaries of the relevant scientific information concerning the potential effects of these chemicals upon human health and/or the environment. Chemical safety cards on the most common inorganic trivalent chromium compounds are reproduced in this document.

Cyclic acid anhydrides are widely used in the chemical industry in the manufacture of polyester and alkyd resins and plasticizers and as epoxy resin hardeners. Acid anhydrides are irritants and are especially potent sensitizing agents. This document deals with the following anhydrides of concern: phthalic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, maleic anhydride, hexahydrophthalic anhydride, methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride, methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, tetrachlorophthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, himic anhydride, succinic anhydride, dodecenylsuccinic anhydride, chlorendic anhydride, and tetrabromophthalic anydride. Chemical safety cards for several cyclic acid anhydrides, produced by the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) are reproduced in this document.

First draft prepared by Dr. J. Kielhorn and Dr. I. Mangelsdorf, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hanover, Germany ; and Dr. K. Ziegler-Skylakakis, MAK Commission (Commission for the investigation of health hazards of chemical compunds in the work area), Munich, Germany.

Iodine is a naturally occurring element and inorganic iodines found in the ocean accumulate in fish, shellfish and seaweed. Industrially iodine is used in many applications including the manufacture of inks, dyes, photographic agents and in water-purification. In the health-care industry, iodine is widely used as a disinfectant/biocide and in the production of soaps, bandages, and medicines. Iodine is also included as a salt in some countries to provide dietary supplementation. This Concise International Chemical Assessment Document (CICAD) evaluates the scientific literature on the health aspects of iodine and inorganic iodides. Its focus is on the health effects from environmental exposures beyond those associated with the diet and nutritional supplementation. Radioactive iodine isotopes are regarded as outside the scope of the document.