Toxicity of Antifouling Paints

Postgraduate Thesis uoadl:2915070 247 Read counter

Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Περιβάλλον και Υγεία: Διαχείριση Περιβαλλοντικών Θεμάτων με Επιπτώσεις στην Υγεία
Library of the School of Health Sciences
Deposit date:
2020-06-02
Year:
2020
Author:
Vlavianos Iason
Supervisors info:
Πολυξένη Νικολοπούλου-Σταμάτη, Ομότιμη Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ, Επιβλέπουσα
Ανδρέας Χ. Λάζαρης, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή ΕΚΠΑ
Ιωάννα Γιαννοπούλου, Ε.ΔΙ.Π., Ιατρική Σχολή ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Τοξικότητα Αντιρρυπαντικών Υφαλοχρωμάτων
Languages:
Greek
Translated title:
Toxicity of Antifouling Paints
Summary:
Any solid material, moving or static, that is submerged in the sea, is subject to colonization or biological fouling (biofouling). 4,000-5,000 plant and animal species are estimated to be involved in such processes. It is estimated that a modern commercial ship, which is not protected from biofouling, can accumulate up to 6,000 tons of organisms. As early as 1500 BC the Phoenicians began to apply lead and copper sheets to the trunks of their wooden ships to prevent their biological pollution, and since the mid-18th century they have begun to use coatings containing copper (Cu), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg).
With the discovery of the excellent antifouling properties of tributyltin (TBT) in the 1960s, highly effective antifouling paints were developed and it seemed that biofouling would be a problem of the past. Since the 1980s, however, extremely adverse effects have been observed in various marine organisms due to extremely high toxicity of TBT. In addition to its toxic effects on target organisms, it is known to act as an endocrine disruptor and hepatotoxic in mammals, as well as contributing to suppressing the immune system. This gradually led to a series of measures and restrictions on its use, until its universal ban in 2008, after forty (40) years of widespread use worldwide. Despite its long presence in the marine environment for almost half a century, the effects of human exposure, mainly through fish consumption, have not been thoroughly investigated.
Following the ban on TBT, the use of copper increased and the technology of its formulations has been further developed, with the introduction of booster biocides, many of which are also used as common pesticides. At present, copper and the aforementioned biocides appear to be the most common solution against biofouling, but several studies point out the high toxicity of both, as well as the significant problems they can cause in the marine environment. Despite its ban more than a decade ago, the presence of TBT in marine areas around the world is still being detected today and many researchers are concerned about further straining the marine environment with chemical compounds , such as copper and booster biocides.
Among the basic purposes of this dissertation is to give a depiction of the current situation in the use of antifouling paints in the shipping industry and to present data on the environmental risks of their components. Thus, some of the most widely used substances in the world today, Copper Pyrithione, Zinc Pyrithione, Diuron (DCMU), Irgarol 1051 (Cybutryne), Dichlofluanid, Chlorothalonil and Sea-Nine 211, have been selected. More or less, all of them are dangerous and toxic to the marine environment.
All the above, after a historical review of the reasons why antifouling paints are used, the economic impact of pollution on international shipping and the legislation governing the area. It is necessary to ask questions on how the use of antifouling paints may pose risks to human health in the long run, either through direct exposure or mainly through the food chain. Consumption of fish by humans is constantly increasing over the years, and the case of tributyltin (TBT) should not be repeated and be a useful lesson instead. This can only be achieved through vigilance and broad research, aimimg to protect the environment and human health. Finally, a brief reference is made to some alternative and environmentally acceptable antifouling methods and to future prospects as well.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Marine environment, Health, Maritime, Ship, Antifouling paints, Fouling, copper, Tributyltin (ΤΒΤ), Copper Pyrithione, Zinc Pyrithione, Diuron (DCMU), Irgarol 1051 (Cybutryne), Dichlofluanid, Chlorothalonil, Sea-Nine 211, Toxicity, Fishery products, Human
Index:
No
Number of index pages:
0
Contains images:
Yes
Number of references:
102
Number of pages:
140
Toxicity of Antifouling Paints Vlavianos Iason.pdf (34 MB) Open in new window