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Vaccines without thiomersal: why so necessary, why so long coming?

A J van't Veen1

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Erasmus University Hospital Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Drugs
|May 23, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Thiomersal (merthiolate), a mercury-based preservative, poses risks, especially to fetal development and in children. Its use in vaccines and medical products should be reduced or eliminated due to potential toxicity and hypersensitivity concerns.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Thiomersal (merthiolate) has been a widely used preservative in medical and non-medical products since the 1930s.
  • Concerns exist regarding thiomersal's toxicity and its potential to cause hypersensitivity, particularly in children.
  • The developing fetal brain is highly susceptible to mercury exposure from thiomersal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential toxicity and sensitizing properties of thiomersal.
  • To evaluate the risks associated with thiomersal exposure, especially in vulnerable populations like children and fetuses.
  • To discuss preventive measures and the need to reduce or eliminate thiomersal use.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on thiomersal toxicity and hypersensitivity.
  • Analysis of thiomersal concentrations in pharmaceutical and biological products.
  • Examination of regulatory and manufacturer responses to thiomersal concerns.

Main Results:

  • Thiomersal exposure, even at low concentrations, may pose risks to fetal development and infants.
  • The ethylmercury component of thiomersal is a significant sensitizer, with hypersensitivity reported in up to 18% of some populations.
  • While some countries have reduced thiomersal exposure, global elimination or reduction is recommended.

Conclusions:

  • Eliminating or reducing thiomersal use in all products should be a high priority globally.
  • Further long-term studies are needed to fully understand subtle developmental effects.
  • Protecting vulnerable populations from mercury exposure necessitates phasing out thiomersal.