Residues of butyltin compounds, including mono-(MBT), di-(DBT) & tributyltins (TBT), were measured in human blood collected from central Michigan, USA. MBT, DBT, & TBT were detected in 53, 81, & 70% of the 32 blood samples examined. Concentrations of butyltins were in the order of MBT> DBT> TBT, with total butyltin concentrations ranging from less than the limit of detection to 101 ng/mL. Exposure of humans to butyltin compounds used as stabilizers or as biocides in household articles has been regarded as a source in addition to the ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs. There was no significant differences in concentrations of butyltin compounds between sexes. In general, concentrations of butyltins measured in blood were less than that affected human natural killer lymphocytes, primary immune defense against tumor & virally infected cells.
