thimerosal
Noun: A mercury-containing organic compound used historically as a preservative in some vaccines and other medical products to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. It is a light-colored crystalline powder.
Thimerosal is primarily discussed in medical, pharmaceutical, and public health contexts. Its use is now highly restricted or eliminated in many childhood vaccines due to safety concerns, though it is still present in some multi-dose vials of influenza vaccines.
- Noun:
- The debate centered on whether thimerosal in vaccines was linked to neurological disorders.
- This multi-dose vial contains thimerosal to prevent contamination after opening.
- Scientists studied the pharmacokinetics of thimerosal after injection.
- "Thimerosal-free": A common label on vaccines indicating the product does not contain this preservative.
- Many parents specifically request thimerosal-free flu shots for their children.
- Merthiolate: A former trade name for thimerosal.
- Ethylmercurithiosalicylate: The systematic chemical name for thimerosal.
- Preservative: A general term for substances like thimerosal that prevent spoilage or contamination.
- Antiseptic: A substance that prevents sepsis by inhibiting microorganism growth. (Thimerosal is a specific type of antiseptic.)
- Bacteriostatic agent: A substance that stops bacteria from reproducing.
While the core definition is a specific chemical compound, the word "thimerosal" often carries significant contextual weight related to: 1. Medical History: Its past widespread use as a preservative. 2. Public Health Controversy: Its alleged (and extensively studied) link to autism, which major global health organizations have found no evidence to support. 3. Current Regulation: Its phased reduction or elimination in vaccine formulations in many countries since the late 1990s/early 2000s.
- a light-colored crystalline powder (trade name Merthiolate) used as a surgical antiseptic