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Butyltin compounds in retail mollusc products
1Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Food Directorate, Health Products and Food BRanch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. don_forsyth@hc-sc.gc.ca
Food Additives and Contaminants
|May 31, 2003
Summary
Butyltin compounds were detected in most Canadian mollusc products. Higher levels were found in products from Asia, with gastropods showing lower contamination than other molluscs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Food Safety
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Butyltin compounds are industrial chemicals used in TBT (tributyltin) and DBT (dibutyltin) based pesticides and antifouling paints.
- Molluscs are filter feeders and can accumulate environmental contaminants, posing a risk to human health.
- Previous studies have indicated the presence of butyltins in marine environments and seafood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the levels of butyltin compounds (tributyltin, dibutyltin, and monobutyltin) in commercially available mollusc products in Canada.
- To identify potential sources of contamination and assess the dietary exposure risk to consumers.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-four mollusc products were purchased from supermarkets across seven Canadian cities.
- Samples were enzymatically hydrolyzed and extracted using a 0.05% tropolone in hexane-diethyl ether mixture.
- Butyltin compounds were derivatized to ethyl derivatives via Grignard reaction and analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to an atomic emission detector (GC-AED).
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for confirmation.
Main Results:
- Butyltin compounds were detected in 62 out of 74 (84%) mollusc products.
- Tributyltin (TBT) was found in 41 samples, with levels up to 233 ng g(-1).
- Dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) levels ranged up to 88 ng g(-1) and 53 ng g(-1), respectively.
- Mollusc products originating from East and Southeast Asia generally exhibited higher butyltin levels.
- Gastropods contained lower levels of butyltins compared to other mollusc types.
Conclusions:
- Butyltin contamination is prevalent in commercially available mollusc products in Canada.
- The presence of butyltins, particularly TBT, raises concerns regarding food safety and potential human health risks.
- Geographical origin appears to be a significant factor influencing contamination levels, suggesting the need for stricter import regulations and monitoring.