Use of TBT affects marine protected areas

A large number of protected areas in Latin America have been affected by the use of TBT, a product that has been used throughout the world since 1960 to prevent the adhesion and growth of marine organisms on surfaces. High percentages of this residue have recently been found; enough to change the normal functioning of local marine life, warns Gustavo Copelmayer.

The conservation objectives that are being carried out in these areas are affected by the presence of residues of this pollutant, which is also used many times as an additive for boat and dock paints. This product can put at risk the conservation objectives in important reserves of our planet, says Gustavo Copelmayer based on the study published in the Journal of Environmental Management, last January.

It should be noted that the use of TBT was banned worldwide in 2008, however, in the last decade it has been possible to verify high levels of sediments and organisms, which indicate that this chemical substance, extremely dangerous for public health and the environment, is still used in 53 marine protected regions, concludes Gustavo Copelmayer.