What is the difference in toxicity between thimerosal and straight mercury?

In summary, thimerosal is an ethyl mercury compound that is not suitable for children due to its potential for toxicity. However, the chances of it causing excessive toxicity are low compared to other forms of mercury, such as methyl mercury. "Straight mercury" is not a specific enough term for comparison, as the toxicity depends on the route of exposure and form of the mercury. Generally, organo-mercury compounds are more soluble and more readily absorbed, making them more dangerous than elemental mercury.
  • #1
aquitaine
30
9
So what is the difference between thimerosal and straight mercury? Is it more or less harmful?
 
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  • #2
Thimerosal is an organic compound and so it will hold to it's Hg atom somewhat. Hg as a free metal is a poison as it catalyzes some unwanted reactions or it simply stops some important ones. If the Hg atom is already bound then it's less poisonous or has a very small chance to be poisonous.

Just like cyanide. In our cells there are many compounds that hold onto the -CN bond.

Thimerosal is not suitable for little children so there are some poisonous effects, and from what I've read it' mainly used externally.
 
  • #3
Cool, thanks.
 
  • #4
Thimerosal is an ethyl mercury compound with a salicylate group attached. The compound http://mercury-freedrugs.org/docs/071130_Geier_etal_PublishedReviewOfThimerosalPaper1.pdf" , a well-known mercury toxin. That said, the likelihood of thimerosal causing excessive toxicity is low since it is not something that one is chronically exposed to as opposed to methyl mercury, for example.

"Straight mercury" is not sufficiently descriptive to compare with thimerosal. If you are referring to elemental, metallic mercury, the answer is it depends on the route of exposure. If the mercury is inhaled over a period of time (as you might get in a closed room or lab that has had a mercury spill) the toxicity is certainly greater for elemental mercury in that case. If you ingest it or handle it, it has a much lower toxicity. http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/mercuryhlthprof.htm"
 
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  • #5
Lok said:
Hg as a free metal is a poison as it catalyzes some unwanted reactions or it simply stops some important ones. If the Hg atom is already bound then it's less poisonous or has a very small chance to be poisonous.
In general it's the other way around.
Elemental liquid mercury is insoluble and although toxic it is difficult to absorb a serious dose - heated mercury vapour is more easily absorbed and so more dangerous.
Organo-mercury compounds are often a lot more soluble and much more readily absorbed - hence much more dangerous.
 

FAQ: What is the difference in toxicity between thimerosal and straight mercury?

What is the difference between organic and inorganic mercury?

Organic mercury refers to mercury compounds that contain carbon, such as methylmercury. Inorganic mercury refers to mercury compounds that do not contain carbon, such as mercuric chloride. The main difference between the two is their chemical structure, which affects their toxicity and behavior in the environment.

How do humans come into contact with organic and inorganic mercury?

Humans can come into contact with both organic and inorganic mercury through various sources such as contaminated food and water, industrial emissions, dental fillings, and certain medical treatments. Inhalation, ingestion, and absorption through the skin are the most common routes of exposure.

What are the health effects of exposure to organic and inorganic mercury?

Exposure to both organic and inorganic mercury can have harmful effects on the nervous system, immune system, and other organs. Symptoms may include tremors, memory loss, irritability, and in severe cases, kidney and brain damage. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to mercury's toxic effects.

How is organic and inorganic mercury measured in the environment?

Mercury levels in the environment can be measured through various methods, including analyzing air, water, and soil samples. For organic mercury, biomonitoring techniques can also be used to measure levels in organisms, such as fish, that have been exposed to mercury.

What are the regulations and guidelines for exposure to organic and inorganic mercury?

There are various regulations and guidelines in place to limit exposure to organic and inorganic mercury. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets limits on mercury emissions from industrial sources, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets maximum levels for mercury in certain foods. International organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), also provide guidelines for safe levels of mercury exposure.

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