Thimerosal degrades into a form of organic mercury, which has been linked to neurological damage. Thimerosal is has been used as a preservative in many biological and drug products, such as vaccines, since the 1930s. Many popular vaccines worldwide are produced in multi-dose vials, necessitating the use of preservatives to prevent life threatening contamination. Thimerosal has been used in over thirty popular vaccines to help stymie bacteria and fungi growth, but the preservative has elicited concern based upon its potentially harmful effects on the human body.

Thimerosal is an organomercurial, or mercury-containing organic compound, and when it is metabolized, an organic form of mercury, ethyl mercury, is left behind in the body. While inorganic mercury is eliminated from the body somewhat easily, organic mercury is more readily absorbed into the body, and is not as easily removed. Methylmercury, another form of organic mercury, is frequently found in fish, and extremely high amounts are known to cause neurological injuries and death.

Because the fetus is more susceptible to the effects of methylmercury, recent studies have focused on the risks of inoculating infants with vaccines containing thimerosal. The symptoms of autism, a disease that may strike as many as one out of 150 children, closely mimic those of methylmercury exposure. many parents of autistic children are seeking. Loss of motor skills, tremors, and autonomic difficulties are found in autistics and people exposed to high levels of methylmercury. Parents of autistic children refer to the “five month window” that occurs between the time of vaccination and the development of autism symptoms.

Scientific research is currently in progress to determine whether ethylmercury contributes to autism, but no conclusive evidence has been determined. Nonetheless, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is actively phasing thimerosal out of vaccines as concern grows regarding the role of thimerosal in neurotoxicity and autism cases.

While advances in technology and manufacturing have lessened the need, thimerosal is still used in some vaccines to prevent contamination, potentially endangering young children’s health. The FDA provides up-to-date information on thimerosal research and use in vaccines: http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimfaq.htm. For further thimerosal information, visit http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/thimerosal.htm.

If a family member developed signs of autism or any other neurological disorder after receiving a vaccine, thimerosal may be to blame. Contact our Philadelphia area thimerosal lawyers today to discuss your case. Our thimerosal attorneys are committed to ensuring justice prevails when Philadelphia area residents’ lives are shattered by exposure to thimerosal.