Tin tetrachloride

Endpoint summary

Additional information

There are no data on the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of SnCl4. Inorganic tin and its salts are not highly toxic, mainly because of their poor absorption, low tissue bioaccumulation, and rapid excretion (WHO 1996); although tin absorption from the gastrointestinal tract may be increased in the presence of certain organic acids (Kojima et al. 1978, as cited in Howe and Watts 2005). A recent review (Howe and Watts 2005) summarized that, generally, absorption of tin from the gastrointestinal tract is low in humans and laboratory animals, including rats, mice, rabbits, cats, and dogs. Absorbed tin is predominantly excreted via the kidneys, and to a lesser extent via bile (Mance et al. 1988, as cited in WHO 1996). Research conducted on the biotransformation of tin(IV) suggests that tin cations are not rapidly oxidized or reduced during absorption and systemic transportation in mammals (Howe and Watts 2005).  Hiles (1974) estimated that after oral exposure of rats to inorganic tin(IV), absorption was 1% (0.64% after a single oral dose) and reported that tin(IV) does not cross the placenta. Greater than 98% of the recovered tin was in the feces and gastrointestinal washes (Hiles 1974). After intravenous administration of tin(IV) salt to rats, only 4% of the recovered tin was found in the feces (Hiles 1974). In bones, the half-life of tin(IV) is approximately 20-100 days (Hiles 1974).  Conclusion Inorganic tin and its salts are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and are rapidly excreted in feces and urine. Tin(IV) does not cross the placenta. [cited from OECD SIDS on Tin tetrachloride, SIAM 24, 2007] Literature: Hiles, R.A. 1974. Absorption, distribution and excretion of inorganic tin in rats. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 27:366-379. WHO (World Health Organization). 1996. Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. Second Edition. Volume 2. Inorganic Constituents and Physical Parameters. Available at http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/2edvol2p2b.pdf Kojima S., K. Saito and M. Kiyozumi. 1978. Studies on poisonous metals. IV. Absorption of stannic chloride from rat alimentary tract and effect of various food components on its absorption (author’s translation).] Yakugaku Zasshi, 98:495–502 (in Japanese) as cited in Howe and Watts 2005. Howe, P. and P. Watts. 2005. Tin and Inorganic Tin Compounds. CICAD (Concise International Chemical Assessment) Document 65. First Draft. World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. Available at: http://www.inchem.org/documents/cicads/cicads/cicad65.htm.