The environmental degradation of organotin compounds — A review

Abstract Organotin compounds of the type RnSnX4_n have a number of industrial applications and are therefore able to enter the environment through a variety of routes. The fate of these compounds in the environment is of obvious interest, and the possibility of their eventual degradation to a non‐toxic inorganic tin species must increase their potential as acceptable chemicals. This review shows that there is evidence to suggests that organotin compounds, when used in an appropriate manner, are unlikely to create a serious long term pollution hazard.