Thiomersal

Thiomersal (INN), or thimerosal (USAN, JAN), is an organomercury compound. This compound is a well-established antiseptic and antifungal agent.The pharmaceutical corporation Eli Lilly and Company gave thiomersal the trade name Merthiolate. It has been used as a preservative in vaccines, immunoglobulin preparations, skin test antigens, antivenins, ophthalmic and nasal products, and tattoo inks. Its use as a vaccine preservative was controversial, and it was phased out from routine childhood vaccines in the European Union, and a few other countries in response to popular fears. As of 2019, scientific consensus is that these fears are unsubstantiated.