Thiomersal

From WikiMD's WELLNESSPEDIA

Thiomersal.svg

Organomercury compound used as a preservative in vaccines

Thiomersal
Thiomersal.svg
Chemical structure of thiomersal
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider ID
UNII
ChEBI
ChEMBL
Properties
Chemical Formula
Molar Mass 404.81 g/mol
Appearance
Density
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Hazards
GHS Pictograms [[File:|50px]]
GHS Signal Word
GHS Hazard Statements
NFPA 704 [[File:|50px]]
References

Thiomersal, also known as thimerosal and merthiolate, is an organomercury compound used as a preservative in vaccines, antiseptics, and cosmetics. It is a well-known antimicrobial agent that has been used since the 1930s to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination in multi-dose vials of vaccines.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Thiomersal is an organomercury compound with the chemical formula C9H9HgNaO2S. It is a sodium salt of ethylmercurithiosalicylate. The compound is a crystalline powder that is soluble in water and alcohol.

Uses[edit]

Thiomersal has been widely used as a preservative in vaccines to prevent contamination by bacteria and fungi. It is particularly important in multi-dose vials, where the risk of contamination is higher. Thiomersal is also used in some antiseptics and cosmetics.

Safety and Controversy[edit]

The use of thiomersal in vaccines has been the subject of controversy due to concerns about mercury poisoning and its potential link to autism. Numerous studies and reviews by public health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have found no credible evidence linking thiomersal in vaccines to autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite this, its use has been reduced or eliminated in many vaccines as a precautionary measure.

Regulatory Status[edit]

In the early 2000s, thiomersal was removed or reduced to trace amounts in most vaccines given to young children in the United States and European Union as a precautionary measure. However, it is still used in some multi-dose vials of vaccines, particularly in developing countries, due to its effectiveness as a preservative.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]


External Links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons logo
Wikimedia Commons has media related to

Thiomersal

.
Stub icon

This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding the page.


Sponsored Health Resource

W8MD weight loss success

W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa

Looking for physician-supervised weight loss, semaglutide, tirzepatide, or GLP-1 receptor agonist options? W8MD helps eligible patients in New York City, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and greater Philadelphia with medical weight loss, sleep medicine, and long-term maintenance support.

GLP-1 specials: Affordable GLP-1 injections NYC and Philadelphia starting from $29.99/week and up for semaglutide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits, and $45/week and up for tirzepatide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits. Self-pay options start from $59.99/week and up for semaglutide and $69.99/week and up for tirzepatide.

Book a W8MD appointment · View GLP-1 specials

Paid promotional message. Eligibility, pricing, insurance coverage, medication availability, and results vary. Medical evaluation required.

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Thiomersal&oldid=5809123"