RISK-BENEFIT ANALYSIS AND CASE-STUDY ON TRIBUTYL TIN

The Risk-Benefit Analysis (RBA) methodology was developed for the Department of the Environment to assist in the evaluation of regulatory choices concerning hazardous chemicals. RBA considers the risks (human and environmental) and benefits (direct and indirect) associated with the use of a hazardous substance and aims to express these in monetary terms. Through detailed consideration of the existing regulatory regime and the effects of possible regulatory changes, RBA highlights (and quantifies) the trade-offs which would be involved. The tributyl tin (TBT) case study considered the use of TBT in antifouling paints. Through the application of the RBA methodology it looked at the impact (in the UK and the EC) of a ban on the use of TBT and of stricter controls at docks involved in the repainting of ships. Valuation of the economic benefits associated with the use of TBT enabled the risks associated with its use to be implicity valued.