Definition: Thimerosal is a mercury containing preservative that was commonly found in vaccines since the 1930s. Although no link to autism or other conditions was ever found, because of concerns that thimerosal could be harmful and because alternatives to thimerosal were now available, according to the FDA, 'thimerosal has been removed from or reduced to trace amounts in all vaccines routinely recommended for children 6 years of age and younger, with the exception of inactivated influenza vaccine.'
Pronunciation: thy mer o sal
Also Known As: Mercury
Alternate Spellings: Thiomersal
Common Misspellings: Thimerosol
Examples:
According to the FDA, 'thimerosal has been removed from or reduced to trace amounts in all vaccines routinely recommended for children 6 years of age and younger, with the exception of inactivated influenza vaccine.'
