THIOMERSAL Meaning and
Definition
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Thiomersal, also known as thimerosal, is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a preservative in vaccines and other medical products. It is an organomercury compound with the chemical formula C9H9HgNaO2S. Thiomersal is composed of approximately 50% mercury by weight.
The primary purpose of thiomersal is to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in vaccines, thereby increasing their shelf life and maintaining their efficacy. Thiomersal works by releasing low levels of mercury ions, which possess antimicrobial properties. These ions are capable of inhibiting the growth and reproduction of various microorganisms that may contaminate vaccines during production or storage.
Thiomersal has been used as a preservative in vaccines for several decades. However, due to concerns about the potential harmful effects of mercury exposure, many countries have implemented regulations and guidelines limiting or banning thiomersal in vaccines. This decision was largely driven by the fact that mercury is a known neurotoxin and can have detrimental effects, particularly on the developing nervous system of infants and young children.
As a result, thiomersal-free or thiomersal-reduced vaccines have become increasingly common. Vaccines without thiomersal utilize alternative preservatives, such as phenol or alcohol. These alternative preservatives ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines while minimizing the potential risks associated with mercury exposure.
Overall, thiomersal is an important compound in the field of medicine, specifically in the preservation of vaccines. Its use has been regulated in many countries to address concerns about mercury exposure and to ensure the safety of individuals receiving vaccinations.
Common Misspellings for THIOMERSAL
- rhiomersal
- fhiomersal
- ghiomersal
- yhiomersal
- 6hiomersal
- 5hiomersal
- tgiomersal
- tbiomersal
- tniomersal
- tjiomersal
- tuiomersal
- tyiomersal
- thuomersal
- thjomersal
- thkomersal
- thoomersal
- th9omersal
- th8omersal
- thiimersal
- thikmersal
Etymology of THIOMERSAL
The word "Thiomersal" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek. It is derived from the Latin word "thio", which means sulfur, and the Greek word "meros", which means part or portion. Therefore, "Thiomersal" can be understood as a compound word combining "thio" and "meros", indicating a substance that contains sulfur as a component.
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