Tin is toxic to humans in high doses (ToxFAQs: Tin). Organotin compounds such as tributyltin and triphenyltin are used as agricultural pesticides and marine biocides. Microbial degradation and accumulation of tributyltin compounds has been studied extensively (reviewed by Gadd, 2000). The biological production of methylated tin species is well documented, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the first organism shown to produce methyltin compounds in pure culture (Ashby and Craig, 1987).

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Ashby J, Craig PJ. Biomethylation of tin (II) complexes in the presence of pure strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Appl Organometal Chem. 1987;1:275-9.