Tin is mainly applied in various organic substances. The organic tin bonds are the most dangerous forms of tin for humans. Tin compounds are applied in a great number of industries, such as the paint industry and the plastic industry, and in agriculture through pesticides. The number of applications of organic tin substances is still increasing

The effects of organic tin substances can vary. They depend upon the kind of substance that is present and the organism that is exposed to it. Triethyltin is the most dangerous organic tin substance for humans. Humans can absorb tin bonds through food and breathing and through the skin.
The uptake of tin compounds can cause acute effects as well as long-term effects.

Acute effects are:
- Eye and skin irritations
- Headaches
- Stomach-aches
- Sickness and dizziness
- Severe sweating
- Breathlessness
- Urination problems

Long-term effects are:
- Depressions
- Liver damage
- Malfunctioning of immune systems
- Chromosomal damage
- Shortage of red blood cells
- Brain damage (causing anger, sleeping disorders, forgetfulness and headaches)

Tin toxicity from food, however, is very rare and only occurs after environmental pollution. The only recorded (possible) tin/lead toxicity dates from the mid 19 th century, when the members of the North-pole expedition by Franklin were intoxicated by tin cans containing acid foods. The acid dissolved the tin and lead and the expedition members thus had a very high metal uptake.