Eli Lilly Material Data Safety Sheet for Thimerosal
[pdf]
Extracts
Effects of Overexposure: Topical allergic dermatitis has been
reported.
Thimerosal contains mercury. Mercury poisoning may
occur and topical hypersensitivity reactions may be seen. Early signs
of mercury poisoning in adults are nervous system effects, including
narrowing of the visual field and numbness in the
extremities. Exposure to mercury in utero and in children may cause mild to
severe mental retardation and mild to severe motor
coordination impairment. Based on animal data, may be
irritating to the eyes.
Reproduction: Thimerosal - Decreased offspring survival. Mercury - Changes in sperm production, decreased offspring survival, and offspring nervous system effects including mild to severe mental retardation and motor coordination impairment.
Chronic Exposure
Thimerosol is a mercuric compound. Toxicity data for thimerosal and mercury
are presented.
Target Organ Effects: Thimerosal - Kidney effects (tubule necrosis), lung
effects (tissue changes).
Mercury - Nervous system effects (insomnia, tremor, anorexia, weakness,
headache), liver effects
(jaundice, digestive effects (hypermotility, diarrhea).
Other Effects: Thimerosal - Decreased weight gain.
Reproduction: Thimerosal - Decreased offspring survival.
Mercury - Changes in sperm production, decreased offspring survival, and
offspring nervous system
effects including mild to severe mental retardation and motor coordination
impairment.
Sensitization: No