Cases of poisoning from tin metal, its oxides, and its salts are "almost unknown"; on the other hand, certain organotin compounds are almost as toxic as cyanide.

[2] This observation led, for example, the Food Standards Agency in the UK to propose upper limits of 200 mg/kg.

[2] The toxic effects of tin compounds are based on its interference with iron and copper metabolism.

"Tri-n-alkyltins" are phytotoxic and, depending on the organic groups, can be powerful bactericides and fungicides.

[1] Tributyltin (TBT) was extensively used in marine antifouling paints, until discontinued for leisure craft due to concerns over longer-term marine toxicity in high-traffic areas such as marinas with large numbers of static boats.