[Current status of organotin studied in China and abroad].

The toxicity of organotin compounds and the current pollution status in China and abroad is discussed. Regulations and limitations on the usage of organotin compounds in western countries are introduced briefly in this paper. The examination results showed that the most Chinese harbors, rivers as well as larger lakes were contaminated by organotin, especially by tribuyltin compounds. Regulations for limiting the use of butyltin compounds as antifouling paints in Chinese marine industries are imperatively needed. Actions toward for the investigation of organotin contamination levels in food chains and in household commodities are also highly desired.