ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ANTIFOULING PAINTS AND TRIBUTYLTIN REGULATIONS
DALLAS, April 1 -- The use of tributyltin (TBT) compounds in antifouling paints
applied to ships has been regulated in many countries for some time. This
symposium of 25 papers discusses many aspects of tributyltin compounds in the
environment, including environmental fate and analysis, biomonitors and
bioavailability, and trends and risks. The research will be presented here
April 1 and 2 at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society, world's
largest scientific society.
ANTI-TBT REGULATIONS SHIFT ENVIRONMENTAL BURDEN TO OTHER COUNTRIES
The TBT regulations that reflect political boundaries may not provide the global
community with sound regulatory policy, says Michael A. Champ, Ph.D., of Texas
A&M. He claims that legislative policies enacted by developed countries to
protect local marine resources have in essence transferred TBT contamination to
those countries least able to deal with it. The result: lesser developed
countries may accept the environmental and human health risks to gain the
economic benefits. Anti-TBT regulations result in $4 billion in added fuel
costs to the shipping industry, Champ adds.
Paper ENVR 61 will be presented by Michael A. Champ from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.,Wed., April 1, in the Convention Center Exhibit Hall C, Level 3.