Thiomersal-containing vaccines are used widely across the world.

These lists are brief and provide just a few examples. • Elcide 75

Note that some states and local jurisdictions have elected to pass regulations that are more stringent than the federal hazardous waste regulations.

• Thiomersal No, this is not an option because it would be dangerous.

Consult your local or state collection program. These are general guidelines.

Once landfilled, mercury from the products may end up in groundwater, and potentially in sources of drinking water. See the Mercury in Thimerosal Vaccines page.

As well as being present at the INC sessions, the Organization can provide submissions, technical briefings, and contributions to Secretariat meeting documents. There is a risk of the mercury spilling if the unit is broken or handled improperly. Please recycle mercury-containing products rather than disposing of them in regular household trash. Mercury in cosmetics exists in two forms: inorganic and organic mercury. • Ethyl (sodium omercaptobenzoato)mercury Additional resources and links for Thimerosal. The Committee has consistently reached the same conclusion: there is no evidence to suggest that the amount of thiomersal used in vaccines poses a health risk. National Chemicals Inspectorate, Solna, Sweden. • Merthiolate salt Once landfilled, mercury from the products may end up in groundwater, and potentially in sources of drinking water. • Merseptyl (VAN) Mercury may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. At the time the concerns were raised, there was scientific uncertainty over the issue and the regulator (the United States Food and Drug Administration), taking a precautionary approach, requested manufacturers to consider development of thiomersal-free products for routine immunization.

For additional information about products that might contain Thimerosal, visit the Household Products Database online at the United States National Library of Medicine. • o-(Ethylmercurithio)benzoic acid sodium salt. Once incinerated, mercury may end up in the air.

Such a switch would involve more raw materials, more energy for manufacturing processes and transport, and more waste. Also, some vaccines may contain trace amounts of thiomersal (<0.5 µg="" per="" dose)="" if="" it="" has="" been="" used="" in="" the="" production="" process="" as="" an="" inactivating="" agent,="" but="" has="" not="" been="" added="" to="" the="" final="" product="" as="" a="">0.5>.

Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, some widely generated hazardous wastes, including mercury-containing wastes like mercury-containing light bulbs, certain spent batteries, thermostats, barometers, manometers, temperature and pressure gauges, and certain switches, are designated as "universal wastes".

They are used in trunks and hoods, heated car rear windows, acceleration sensors for air bags and seatbelts and anti-lock braking systems. • Tiomersal Thimerosal is an organomercurial compound and derivative of thiosalicyclic acid with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Use of multi-dose vials is the most efficient and cost-effective presentation for protection of populations in instances when vaccines need to be administered to large numbers of people in a short space of time, such as in epidemic or pandemic situations. Mercury is considered by WHO as one of the top 10 chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern.

• SET

Since August 2000, the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS), responsible for advising WHO on vaccine safety issues of potential global importance, has periodically reviewed available information on thiomersal pharmacokinetic studies in humans (including low birth-weight infants) and in monkeys and has assessed the validity of animal models in studying associations between thiomersal and neuro-developmental disorders (such as autism) in humans.

In this context, WHO is concerned about the potential inclusion of vaccines in the scope of the treaty given the lack of evidence that thiomersal presents a risk to human health.

Some counties and cities also have household hazardous waste collection programs. WHO has closely monitored scientific evidence relating to the use of thiomersal as a vaccine preservative for over 10 years, in particular through its independent expert advisory group, the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety.

Multi-dose vials are used in many countries because they require less storage space in the cold chain and lead to less wastage, both of which have a significant impact on programme costs.

Mercury is used in LCD screens and monitors. Some skin lightening creams, for example, contain mercury and should not be used. Those that do are generally imported from outside the U.S. and are sold as skin lightening or freckle creams. WHO supports continued use of thiomersal as an inactivating agent and preservative for vaccines.

• Estivin EPA encourages consumers to consider alternatives to products that contain mercury. A number of products containing thiomersal have been prequalified by WHO (i.e.

Association between thimerosal-containing vaccine and autism.

The authors evaluated the incidence of autism in children born in Denmark between 1990-1996 who received either thimerosal-containing vaccines or thimerosal-free preparations of the same vaccine. These products need to be properly disposed at household hazardous waste collection centers. When disposing of larger appliances, either contact your state or local household hazardous waste collection center for advice on recycling or disposal, or contact a local appliance recycler.

Read product labels carefully and talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

When moving them, handle them with care to prevent the mercury from spilling.

For information about these programs, contact your local officials to find out when and where a collection will be held in your area.

Mercury is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, so know about applicable shipping laws before you ship. • Mercury, ethyl(2-mercaptobenzoate-S)-, sodium salt

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