Ethylmercury

Ethylmercury is an organomercury compound that is used as a preservative in some vaccines and other medical products. It is a derivative of mercury and is related to methylmercury, another organomercury compound.

Chemical Properties

Ethylmercury is a compound that contains a mercury atom bonded to an ethyl group. It is less stable than methylmercury and breaks down more quickly in the body. This rapid breakdown reduces the risk of accumulation in the tissues and potential toxicity.

Uses

Ethylmercury is primarily used in the form of thimerosal, a compound that has been used as a preservative in vaccines to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. Thimerosal is metabolized into ethylmercury and thiosalicylate in the body.

Safety and Toxicity

The safety of ethylmercury, particularly in vaccines, has been extensively studied. Unlike methylmercury, which can accumulate in the body and cause neurotoxicity, ethylmercury is eliminated more rapidly. Studies have shown that the levels of ethylmercury used in vaccines do not pose a risk to human health.

Regulation and Public Health

Due to public concern over mercury exposure, thimerosal has been removed or reduced to trace amounts in most vaccines for children in the United States and other countries. However, it is still used in some influenza vaccines and other products where multi-dose vials are necessary.

See Also

• Thimerosal
• Methylmercury
• Vaccine safety
• Organomercury chemistry

External Links

• [CDC: Thimerosal in Vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/thimerosal/index.html)
• [FDA: Thimerosal and Vaccines](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/safety-availability-biologics/thimerosal-and-vaccines)