Tin is a natural element found in the earth's crust. It is a soft, white-silver metal that does not dissolve in water. It is found in brass, copper, and some other ores. Tin is used as a coating for food and drink containers. Tin can be combined with other chemicals (such as Chlorine, Sulfur, or Oxygen) to form compounds. These compounds are used in toothpaste, perfumes, soaps, food additives, and pigments. Tin is also combined with carbon to form the organotin compounds. These compounds are used to manufacture plastics, food packaging, plastic pipes, pesticides, and paints. Tin and its inorganic and organic compounds can be found in air, water, and soil near places naturally found in rocks or where it is mined or used.
Consuming contaminated foods is the main route of exposure to Tin and its compounds. Ingestion of large quantities of Tin minerals can cause stomachache, anemia, and liver and kidney problems. People exposed for short periods to certain organic compounds of tin can experience skin and eye irritation and neurological problems. Exposure to very high amounts of Tin can be fatal.
How does Tin enter the environment?
- Tin is released into the environment both from natural processes and from human activities such as mining, burning coal and oil, and producing and using Tin compounds. Disposable cans quickly form inorganic tin compounds.
- Inorganic Tin can not be destroyed in the environment; it can only change shape. Sunlight and bacteria can break down organic tin compounds into inorganic compounds.
- Tin exists in the atmosphere as a gas and a vapor and is deposited in dust particles. Tin-containing particles can be transported by wind, rain, or snow.
- Inorganic Tin settles on the soil and sediments in the water, and some inorganic compounds of Tin are dissolved in water.
- Organic Tin compounds remain in soil sediments and water particles.
- The time each organic compound of Tin remains in the water, and the soil differs. In water, it can range from days to weeks, and in soil, it can be years.
- Organic compounds of Tin can accumulate in fish and other animal organisms and plants.
How is someone exposed to Tin?
- Consuming food or liquids from Tin cans (more than 90% of Tin cans used for food are protected by lacquer today).
- Breathing air or dust particles containing Tin in the workplace or near hazardous waste sites.
- Consuming seafood from coastal waters or contacting household products containing organotin compounds (e.g., some plastics) may result in exposure to certain organotin compounds.
How can Tin affect health?
The cans are not very toxic due to the poor absorption of Tin by the gastrointestinal tract. Studies in humans and animals have shown that ingesting large quantities of Tin minerals can cause stomachache, anemia, liver and kidney problems.
Certain organotin compounds can affect brain and nervous system function through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. In severe cases, they can cause death. Some organotin compounds have been shown to affect animals' immune and reproductive systems.
Inorganic or organic Tin compounds can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact.
Tin has no known biological role in living organisms. Animals and humans do not readily absorb it. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have been reported after ingesting canned foods containing 200 mg/kg Tin. One study showed that 99.5% of tested food containers contain Tin below this level. However, containers that have not been lacquered and which contain low-pH foods (for example, fruits and pickled vegetables) may contain high concentrations of Tin.
The toxic effects of Tin compounds are based on interference with the metabolism of Iron and Copper. For example, they affect heme and cytochrome P450 and reduce their efficacy.
How can the risk of exposure to Tin be reduced?
- As Tin is naturally present in the environment, we cannot altogether avoid exposure.
- Reduce the consumption of canned products and store unused food portions in different containers.
- Reduce seafood consumption from waters that may be contaminated with organic Tin compounds and reduce contact with household products containing organotin compounds.
How can one determine if one has been exposed to Tin?
We can measure the levels of tin in the blood and most biological materials.
Determination of metals is done by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), a method that enables the simultaneous detection of many metals. Its sensitivity and accuracy are significantly better than conventional atomic absorption, with the ability to measure metals at concentrations up to 1 in 1015 (1 in 1 quadrillion, ppq)!
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70% and 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted solely based on the numerical result of a single analysis. They should be interpreted in relation to each individual case, family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
