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Thimerosal is a mercury containing preservative that has been used in some vaccines since the 1930's. It is 49.6% mercury by weight and is metabolized or degraded into ethylmercury and thiosalicylate. At concentrations found in vaccines, it meets the requirements for a preservative as set forth by the United States Pharmacopeia; that is, it kills the specified challenge organisms and is able to prevent the growth of the challenge fungi. As a vaccine preservative it is used in concentrations of 0.003% to 0.01%. A vaccine containing 0.01% thimerosal as a preservative contains 50 micrograms of thimerosal per 0.5 ml dose or approximately 25 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 ml dose. There are two major forms of mercury -- an inorganic form like the mercury used in thermometers, and an organic form like that found in thimerosal. Humans and wildlife are exposed to both. The inorganic form is quickly released from our bodies. Mercury is very common in our environment and there are similar levels for the amount of mercury people can safely consume from eating certain types of fish. However, we know from persons who have been exposed to high levels of mercury that abnormalities of the nervous system can result if thimerosal-containing vaccines are taken. The concern is because of the possibility that some infants who receive multiple vaccines containing thimerosal might exceed one of the acceptable limits for mercury. Many vaccines have never contained thimerosal, and other thimerosal-free vaccines are currently under review. Currently, all adult tetanus and diptheria combination (Td) vaccines, all influenza vaccines, some adult hepatitis B vaccines and some adult pneumococcal disease vaccines contain thimerosal. The vaccines against hepatitis A, mumps, measles, rubella and varicella do not contain any thimerosal. Removing thimerosal from all vaccines will take some time, but making vaccines safer and more effective is a constant goal for the federal government and vaccine manufacturers. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED, YOU NEED THE LAW FIRM OF BOURGAULT & HARDING CALL 800.880.1438 Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved Bourgault & Harding, A Law Firm 1100 East Bridger Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 tel 702.384.8023 fax 702.384.5731 Nevada Thimerosal Attorneys Disclaimer: The Las Vegas Auto Accidents, and Big-Rig Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Airplane Accidents, Bus & Train Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Boating & Watercraft Accidents, Swimming Pool Accidents, Amusement Park Accidents, Construction Site Accidents, Drunk Driver Accidents, Defective Roads Accidents, Wrongful Death, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Burn Injury, Animal Attacks/Dog Bite, Slip and Fall Accidents, Premises Liability, Dangerous Drugs Litigation, Defective Medical Devices, Medical Malpractice, Legal Malpractice, Product Liability, Toxic Substances in Nevada. Please contact a Nevada Personal Injury Lawyer, Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of Nevada. ©2006 The Law Offices of Bourgault & Harding. Las Vegas, Nevada Personal Injury Lawyers, serving the communities of: Las Vegas, Clark County Nevada. 
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