Tin (inorganic compounds, as Sn)

May 1994
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH)

CAS number: 7440–31–5 (Metal)

NIOSH REL: 2 mg/m3 TWA

Current OSHA PEL: 2 mg/m3 TWA

1989 OSHA PEL: Same as current PEL

1993-1994 ACGIH TLV: 2 mg/m3 TWA

Description of substance: Varies

Original (SCP) IDLH: 400 mg Sn/m3

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: The chosen IDLH is based on the toxicity of stannous chloride. ACGIH [1971] indicated that inorganic tin salts are of high acute toxicity. ILO [1972] reported evidence exists that stannous chloride can cause paralysis in animals. No data on acute inhalation toxicity are available on which to base the IDLH. The chosen IDLH is based on the dog intravenous LDLO of 20 mg/kg for stannous chloride [Patenko 1886 as cited by Flury and Zernik 1935] cited by NIOSH. The chosen IDLH is likely to be conservative.

Short-term exposure guidelines: None developed

ACUTE TOXICITY DATA:

Lethal dose data:

Species Reference Route LD50

(mg/kg)

LDLo

(mg/kg)

Adjusted LD Derived value
SnSO4 Rat Gig Sanit 1986 oral 2,207 ----- 8,497 mg Sn/m3 850 mg Sn/m3
SnSO4 Mouse Gig Sanit 1986 oral 2,152 ----- 8,285 mg Sn/m3 829 mg Sn/m3
SnCl2 Rat Calvery 1942 oral 700 ----- 3,087 mg Sn/m3 309 mg Sn/m3
SnCl2

Rabbit

WHO 1970 oral 10,000 ----- 44,100 mg Sn/m3 4,410 mg Sn/m3
SnCl2

Mouse

WHO 1972 oral 250 ----- 1,103 mg Sn/m3 110 mg Sn/m3

Human data: None relevant for use in determining the revised IDLH.

Revised IDLH: 100 mg Sn/m3

Basis for revised IDLH: No inhalation toxicity data are available on which to base an IDLH for inorganic tin compounds. Therefore, the revised IDLH for inorganic tin compounds is 100 mg Sn/m3 based on acute oral toxicity data in animals [WHO 1972]. This may be a conservative value due to the lack of relevant acute inhalation toxicity data for workers.

REFERENCES:

1. ACGIH [1971]. Tin (inorganic compounds except SnH4 and SnO2) as Sn. In: Documentation of the threshold limit values for substances in workroom air. 3rd ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, p. 257.

2. Calvery HO [1942]. Trace elements in foods. Food Res 7:313-331.

3. Flury F, Zernik F [1935]. Zusammenstellung der toxischen und letalen dosen fur die gebrauchlichsten gifte und versuchstiere. Abder Hand Biol Arbeitsmethod 4:1289-1422 (in German).

4. Gig Sanit [1986]; 51(6):82 (in Russian).

5. ILO [1972]. Tin, alloys, compounds. In: Encyclopaedia of occupational health and safety. 2nd ed. Vol. II (L-Z). Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Office, pp. 1407-1409.

6. NIOSH [1976]. XP87000. Tin(II) chloride (1:2). In: Registry of toxic effects of chemical substances, 1976 ed. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHEW (NIOSH) Publication No. 76-191, p. 1156.

7. Patenko [1886]. Arch de Phys Ser III 7:33. [From Flury F, Zernik F [1935]. Zusammenstellung der toxischen und letalen dosen fur die gebrauchlichsten gifte und versuchstiere. Abder Hand Biol Arbeitsmethod 4:1289-1422 (in German).]

8. WHO [1970]. Toxicological evaluation of some extraction solvents and certain other substances. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, Nutrition Meetings Report Series 48a:75-77.

9. WHO [1972]. Toxicological evaluation of some enzymes, modified starches and certain other substances. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, WHO Food Additives Series, No. 1, pp. 101-104.

Page last reviewed: December 4, 2014