Mercury in Vaccines: Doses, Evidence & Neurological Disorders

In summary, mercury was used as a preservative in vaccines in trace amounts to prevent bacterial growth. The doses used were further diluted for working concentrations in the vaccines. However, there is no evidence that this contributed to increased numbers of neurological/psychiatric disorders, as the fact that autism cases did not decrease after it was no longer used suggests it was not the cause of the recent increase.
  • #1
jamesb-uk
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Was mercury used as a preservative in vaccines, and if so, in what doses, and is there any evidence that this caused increased numbers of neurological/psychiatric disorders?
 
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  • #2
Yes, it was. I don't know what doses, but for the last question, the fact that autism cases didn't drop after they stopped using it suggests that it wasn't what was causing the recent increase in autism cases.
 
  • #3
The mercury that used to be used in vaccines was only in trace amounts. It was added earlier in the production process to prevent bacterial growth, but then the whole lot was much further diluted for working concentrations actually used in the vaccines.

There is no evidence that it contributed to any neurological/psychiatric disorders when it was used.
 

What is the evidence for the presence of mercury in vaccines?

Thimerosal, a compound containing ethylmercury, is used as a preservative in some vaccines. While it has been removed from most childhood vaccines, trace amounts may still be found in some flu shots. Additionally, some vaccines may contain trace amounts of elemental mercury from the manufacturing process.

How much mercury is typically found in vaccines?

The amount of mercury in vaccines varies depending on the specific vaccine. For example, before it was removed from childhood vaccines, thimerosal typically contained 25 micrograms of ethylmercury per dose. Trace amounts of elemental mercury may range from 0.5 to 1.5 micrograms per dose.

What are the potential neurological disorders associated with mercury in vaccines?

There is no conclusive evidence linking mercury in vaccines to neurological disorders. The most commonly cited concern is the development of autism, but numerous studies have found no link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism. Other alleged disorders include ADHD, speech delay, and learning disabilities, but again, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

Are there any benefits to using mercury in vaccines?

Thimerosal has been used as a preservative in vaccines for decades, and is highly effective at preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. Its use has also allowed for the creation of multi-dose vials, making vaccines more affordable and accessible. Additionally, thimerosal has a long history of safe use and has not been linked to any serious health problems in the amounts found in vaccines.

What is the current status of mercury in vaccines?

Thimerosal has been removed from most childhood vaccines in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It is still used in some flu shots and other vaccines, but at very low levels. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have deemed thimerosal-containing vaccines safe for use and there is no scientific evidence to suggest otherwise.

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