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Thimerosal 		 

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Thimerosal
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Thimerosal, or '''thiomersal''', ( C 9 H 9 Hg Na O 2 S ) is a mercury-containing Organic Compound (organomercurial) used as an Antiseptic and Antifungal Agent . It was developed and registered under the trade name '''Merthiolate''' in 1929 by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly , and has been used as a Preservative in Vaccine s, immune globulin preparations, Skin Test Antigens , Antivenom s, Ophthalmic and nasal products, and Tattoo inks.

The compound is being phased out for most childhood vaccinations in favor of single-dose vials.

Thimerosal causes susceptible bacteria to Autolyze (break down their own cells with self-produced Enzymes ) via an unknown mechanism. In the body, it is metabolized to Ethylmercury (C2H5Hg+) and thiosalicylate .


MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET



Stability

Stable. May degrade in sunlight. Incompatible with strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, Iodine , Heavy Metal salts.


Toxicology

Poison . Experimental neoplastigen and Teratogen . Harmful by inhalation and ingestion. May cause reproductive damage. May be harmful through skin contact. Typical OEL 0.05 mg/m³.

Chemical Hazard Symbol: T+ = Very Toxic
Criteria: Inhalation, swallowing, or absorption through the skin in very small amounts can cause considerable damage to health, and may sometimes be lethal. In the event of exposure serious evidence of severe, possibly Irreversible damage to health by single, repeated, or prolonged absorption. [http://chemdat.merck.de/pls/pi03/web2.pop_up?text=4810009&screen=320&lang=4 MSDS Hazard Symbol T+]

Chemical Hazard symbol: N = Dangerous for the environment
Criteria: Liberation into aquatic and non-aquatic environments would present or may present immediate or delayed damage for one or more components of the environment.
Precaution: Do not allow to enter sewerage systems, soil, or environment. Observe special disposal regulations. [http://chemdat.merck.de/pls/pi03/web2.pop_up?text=4810006&screen=320&lang=4 MSDS Hazard Symbol N]


Personal protection

  • Safety glasses, adequate ventilation, protective clothing.

  • Risk Phrase : R 26/27/28-33-50/53

    • Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

Danger of cumulative effects.
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
  • Safety Phrase : S 13-28.1-36-45-60-61

    • Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs.

After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water.
Wear suitable protective clothing.
In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label where possible).
This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/Safety data sheets.
  • WGK: (Water Hazard Class): 3 - highly polluting substance.



THIMEROSAL TIMELINE


  • Early- 1930s - Thimerosal first added to vaccines as a Bactericide {Link without Title} .

  • Mid- 1980s - Thimerosal was used as a preservative in virtually all whole-cell DPT vaccines, which were routinely administered four times each to children before eighteen months of age, starting at two months.

  • Late 1980s- Hib vaccines containing thimerosal are recommended for administration to children at eighteen months.

  • Early 1990s - Three doses of Hepatititis B vaccine (which contains Thimerosal) are recommended for infants under six months of age, beginning on the day of birth; four doses of Hib are recommended within an eighteen month period, beginning at age two.

  • Late 1990s- Vaccination Schedule s recommending three doses of TCVs for children between six and eighteen months of age.

  • 1999 - The American Academy Of Pediatrics requests removal of thimerosal from all pediatric vaccines.

  • 2002 - The USA Centers For Disease Control (CDC) and the USA Food And Drug Administration (FDA) state that the last remaining doses of some pediatric TCVs are administered to US children.

  • 2006 - The World Health Organization , with US funding, is providing thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) for children in developing countries with the same amounts of thimerosal, as were given American children at their peak exposure levels. Current vaccination schedules give these in a shorter time period.



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