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.