VaccinesMercury in vaccines (thimerosal)—a thing of the past or still a problem?
Sources: 11 · Article: 19 290 characters
The STOP NOP Association claims that thimerosal is still found in vaccines, although Piotr Witczak writes that wealthy countries have mainly used vaccines without it for 25 years.
- Piotr Witczak adds that manufacturers do not have to list thimerosal when its amount is below 40 nanograms per dose.
- Information about vaccines containing thimerosal is meant to warn of a possible allergic reaction; warnings may not be recommended when only trace amounts remain from production.
- The STOP NOP Association cites studies linking thimerosal to developmental disorders, while Piotr Witczak notes that public health institutions do not consider a link with an increase in autism to be proven.
What the authors write
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The study described links exposure to mercury from thimerosal-containing vaccines with neurodevelopmental disorders.
„This study found that exposure to mercury from thimerosal-containing vaccines administered in the United States was a consistent, significant risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Geier D.A., Geier M.R., A two-phased population epidemiological study of the safety of thimerosal-containing vaccines: a follow-up analysis.”To badanie wykazało, że ekspozycja na rtęć pochodzącą z zawierających tiomersal szczepionek podawanych w USA była stałym, znaczącym czynnikiem ryzyka wystąpienia zaburzeń neurorozwojowych.
Geier D.A., Geier M.R., A two-phased population epidemiological study of the safety of thimerosal-containing vaccines: a follow-up analysis (Dwufazowe populacyjne badanie epidemiologiczne nad bezpieczeństwem szczepionek zawierających tiomersal: analiza kontrolna).
Piotr Witczak
Thimerosal was commonly used in childhood vaccines, and manufacturers do not have to list it as an ingredient when the amount is below 40 nanograms per dose.
„Thimerosal [ethylmercury, the sodium salt of ethylmercurithiosalicylic acid, used as a preservative in vaccines—editor’s note], which was commonly used in many childhood vaccines, was certainly a significant source of exposure[18]. It is worth noting, however, that manufacturers currently do not have to declare the substance as an ingredient in vaccines where the thimerosal level is below 40 nanograms per dose[19].”Na pewno tiomersal [etylortęć, sól sodowa kwasu etylortęciotiosalicylowego stosowana w szczepionkach jako konserwant – przyp. red.], który był powszechnie stosowany w wielu szczepionkach dla dzieci stanowił istotne źródło ekspozycji[18]. Warto jednak odnotować, że obecnie w przypadku szczepionek, w których poziom tiomersalu wynosi poniżej 40 nanogramów na dawkę, producent nie musi deklarować tej substancji w składzie preparatu[19].
Piotr Witczak
Public health institutions maintain that no link has been proven between ethylmercury from vaccines and an increase in autism cases.
„Public health institutions still maintain that no link has been proven between children’s exposure to ethylmercury from vaccines and an increase in ASD cases. This position apparently relies on conclusions from studies funded by the U.S. Centers for”Instytucje zdrowia publicznego wciąż utrzymują, że nie udowodniono związku między narażeniem dzieci na etylortęć ze szczepionek a wzrostem przypadków ASD. To stanowisko najwyraźniej opiera się na wnioskach pochodzących ze sfinansowanych przez amerykańskie Centrum ds.
Piotr Witczak
Piotr Witczak writes that wealthy countries have mainly used vaccines without thimerosal for 25 years and points out that mercury may not be the only possible factor in the development of autism.
„Why, then, are autism rates still rising if wealthy countries have mainly used vaccines that do not contain thimerosal for 25 years[21]? Moreover, the observed and still controversial link between autism and the MMR vaccine[22][23] (which does not contain thimerosal) seems to suggest that exposure to mercury in vaccines is not the only environmental factor that may be responsible for the development of ASD[24].”To dlaczego zachorowalność na autyzm wciąż rośnie skoro już od 25 lat bogate kraje stosują głównie szczepionki niezawierające tiomersalu[21]? Co więcej, obserwowany i wciąż kontrowersyjny związek autyzmu ze szczepionką MMR[22][23] (która nie zawiera tiomersalu) wydaje się sugerować, że narażenie na rtęć obecną w szczepionkach nie jest jedynym czynnikiem środowiskowym, który może być odpowiedzialny za rozwój ASD[24].
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The STOP NOP Association cites links between mercury from vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as precocious puberty.
„Epidemiological data indicate a direct link between the amount of mercury in thimerosal-containing vaccines and the likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as a link between measles-virus-containing vaccines and serious neurological disorders.”Dane epidemiolologiczne wskazują na bezpośredni związek ilości rtęci w szczepionkach zawierających tiomersal z prawdopodobieństwem wystąpienia zaburzeń neurorozwojowych, a także między szczepionkami zawierającymi wirusa odry i poważnymi zaburzeniami neurologicznymi.
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The cited study links greater exposure to organic mercury from vaccines with a later risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.
„This study provides new epidemiological data supporting a significant link between increasing exposure to organic mercury in thimerosal-containing childhood vaccines and a later risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.”Niniejsze badanie dostarcza nowych danych epidemiologicznych potwierdzających znaczący związek między rosnącą ekspozycją na rtęć organiczną zawartą w szczepionkach dla dzieci z tiomersalem a późniejszym ryzykiem wystąpienia zaburzeń neurorozwojowych.
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The STOP NOP Association claims that vaccines containing thimerosal are still given to children and pregnant women.
„Vaccines containing thimerosal are still regularly given to potentially most vulnerable groups: pregnant women and children (especially in developing countries). In light of this, we believe that the reasons for using thimerosal—a known immunotoxic and neurotoxic substance—in vaccines intended for people need to be reassessed.”Szczepionki zawierające tiomersal wciąż są regularnie podawane potencjalnie najwrażliwszym populacjom: ciężarnym kobietom i dzieciom (zwłaszcza w krajach rozwijających się). Wobec powyższego uważamy, że niezbędna jest ponowna ocena przyczyn stosowania tiomersalu, znanej substancji immunotoksycznej i neurotoksycznej, w szczepionkach przeznaczonych dla ludzi.
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The study described links greater exposure to organic mercury from vaccines with a later risk of autism.
„This study provides new epidemiological data supporting a link between increasing exposure to organic mercury in thimerosal-containing childhood vaccines and a later risk of autism spectrum disorders.
Geier D.A., Hooker B.S.”Niniejsze badanie dostarcza nowych danych epidemiologicznych potwierdzających związek między rosnącą ekspozycją na rtęć organiczną zawartą w szczepionkach dla dzieci z tiomersalem a późniejszym ryzykiem wystąpienia zaburzeń ze spektrum autyzmu.
Geier D.A., Hooker B.S.
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The STOP NOP Association cites studies linking thimerosal in vaccines to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and intellectual disability.
„This study provides additional epidemiological data supporting a link between increased exposure to mercury in thimerosal-containing childhood vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Geier D.A., Geier M.R., An assessment of the impact of thimerosal on childhood neurodevelopmental disorders.”Niniejsze badanie dostarcza dodatkowych danych epidemiologicznych potwierdzających związek między zwiększoną ekspozycją na rtęć zawartą w szczepionkach dla dzieci zawierających tiomersal a zaburzeniami neurorozwojowymi.
Geier D.A., Geier M.R., An assessment of the impact of thimerosal on childhood neurodevelopmental disorders (Ocena wpływu tiomersalu na zaburzenia neurorozwojowe wieku dziecięcego).
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The STOP NOP Association describes the ethylmercury in thimerosal as highly toxic and claims that it does not leave the body quickly.
„Thimerosal is highly toxic at very low levels of exposure and, according to some studies, is more harmful than methylmercury. For example, ethylmercury is even more damaging to mitochondria in cells than methylmercury.
The ethylmercury in thimerosal does not leave the body quickly, as the CDC commonly claims, but is metabolized into a highly neurotoxic form.”Tiomersal jest bardzo toksyczny przy bardzo niskim poziomie narażenia i, według niektórych badań, jest bardziej szkodliwy niż metylortęć. Na przykład etylortęć jest jeszcze bardziej destrukcyjna dla mitochondriów w komórkach niż metylortęć.
Etylortęć w tiomersalu nie opuszcza szybko organizmu, jak zwykło twierdzić CDC, lecz jest metabolizowana do postaci o wysokiej neurotoksyczności.
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The STOP NOP Association claims that trace amounts of thimerosal are still found in most vaccines.
„Read more.
2. Thimerosal is also found in combination vaccines such as 6-in-1 vaccines. Source.
3. Trace amounts are still found in most vaccines. Source.
4. An Italian court ruled that a 6-in-1 vaccine containing, among other things, mercury caused autism. Source.”Przeczytaj więcej.
2. Tiomersal jest też w wysokoskojarzonych szczepionkach typu 6 w 1. Źródło.
3. Śladowe ilości są nadal w większości szczepionek. Źródło.
4. Włoski sąd orzekł, że szczepionka 6 w 1 zawierająca m.in. rtęć była przyczyną autyzmu. Źródło.
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
Information about a vaccine in which thimerosal is used as a preservative is intended to warn of a possible allergic reaction.
„– Adverse reactions: “This medicinal product contains thimerosal (an organic mercury compound) as a preservative, which may cause an allergic reaction (see section 4.3.)” and – in section 4.3. – Contraindications: “Hypersensitivity to any component of the medicinal product.””– Działania niepożądane: ?Ten produkt leczniczy zawiera tiomersal (związek organiczny rtęci), jako środek konserwujący, który może wywołać reakcję alergiczną (patrz punkt 4.3.)? oraz – w punkcie 4.3. – Przeciwwskazania: ?Nadwrażliwość na którykolwiek składnik produktu leczniczego?.
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
When thimerosal residues are below 40 nanograms per dose or are undetectable, information about it is not recommended in the package leaflet or the product characteristics.
„For vaccines in which thimerosal was used during the manufacturing process, resulting in a thimerosal level below 40 nanograms per dose or an undetectable level, allergic reactions are not expected, and information about thimerosal is not recommended in the Summary of Product Characteristics or the package leaflet.”W przypadku szczepionek, w których tiomersal zastosowano w procesie produkcyjnym, w wyniku czego poziom tiomersalu w szczepionce wynosi poniżej 40 nanogramów na dawkę lub jest na niewykrywalnym poziomie, nie oczekuje się występowania reakcji alergicznych i informacje w ChPL i PL na temat tiomersalu nie są rekomendowane.
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The STOP NOP Association cites a study according to which ethylmercury from vaccines may be linked to weaker psychomotor development in infants.
„The results indicate that ethylmercury is not completely harmless in the early stages of life and may be responsible for weaker psychomotor development in children.
Mrozek-Budzyn D., Majewska R. et al., Neonatal exposure to thimerosal from vaccines and child development in the first 3 years of life.”Wyniki wskazują, że etylortęć nie jest całkowicie nieszkodliwa na pierwszym etapie życia i może być odpowiedzialna za słabszy rozwój psychomotoryczny u dzieci.
Mrozek-Budzyn D., Majewska R. i in., Neonatal exposure to thimerosal from vaccines and child development in the first 3 years of life (Ekspozycja niemowląt na tiomersal zawarty w szczepionkach a rozwój dziecka w ciągu pierwszych trzech lat życia).
Stowarzyszenie STOP NOP
The STOP NOP Association lists mercury in vaccines as an ingredient with toxic and allergenic properties.
„ADDITIONAL VACCINE INGREDIENTS In recent years, attention has been drawn to mercury in vaccines as an ingredient with toxic and allergenic properties. The mercury compound occurs in organic combinations in the form of the sodium salt—thimerosal (sodium ethylmercuriothiosalicylate, metriolate).”DODATKOWE SKŁADNIKI SZCZEPIONEK W ostatnich latach zwracano uwagę na zawartą w szczepionkach rtęć jako składnik o właściwościach toksyczno-alergicznych. Związek rtęci występuje w połączeniach organicznych w postaci soli sodowej ? thimerosal (sodium ethylmercuriothiosalicylate, metriolat).
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 5 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 470.
A meta-analysis found no link between thimerosal in vaccines and autism.
Aim of the study: There has been enormous debate regarding the possibility of a link between childhood vaccinations and the subsequent development of autism. This has in recent times become a major public health issue with vaccine preventable diseases increasing in the community due to the fear of a 'link' between vaccinations and autism.
Results: The cohort data revealed no relationship between vaccination and autism (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.06) or ASD (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.20), nor was there a relationship between autism and MMR (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.70 to 1.01), or thimerosal (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.31), or mercury (Hg) (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.07). Similarly the case-control data found no evidence for increased risk of developing autism or ASD following MMR, Hg, or thimerosal exposure when grouped by condition (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.98; p=0.02) or grouped by exposure type (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.95; p=0.01). Findings of this meta-analysis suggest that vaccinations are not associated with the development of autism or autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, the components of the vaccines (thimerosal or mercury) or multiple vaccines (MMR) are not associated with the development of autism or autism spectrum disorder.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A meta-analysis found no evidence that exposure to thimerosal in vaccines increases the risk of autism or ADHD.
Aim of the study: Although a measurable number of epidemiological studies have been conducted to clarify the associations between mercury exposure during embryo or early infancy and later incidences of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the conclusion still remains unclear.
Results: The summary ORs were similar after excluding studies not adjusted for confounders. Moderate adverse effects were observed only between environmental inorganic or organic mercury exposures and ASD/ADHD. However, these results should be interpreted with caution since the number of epidemiological studies on this issue was limited and still at an early stage. Further studies focused on subjects with genetic vulnerabilities of developmental disorders are warranted for better understanding of the effects of such environmental exposures.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A review reports that thimerosal is currently found only in multidose vials of influenza vaccine, and that its use is not associated with neurological side effects.
Aim of the study: Vaccines are one of the most successful medical advances in modern times. Patients are increasingly questioning the necessity of immunizing themselves and their families, and family physicians should be aware of the risks and benefits of recommended immunizations to accurately counsel about adverse effects and address vaccine hesitancy.
Results: The respiratory syncytial virus vaccine does not increase the risk of stillbirth, infant death, birth defects, or growth restriction when administered during pregnancy. COVID-19 vaccine minimally increases the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis. Physicians should counsel patients and guide them to credible resources if patients are considering vaccine refusal. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System and National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program track adverse events from vaccines; the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides compensation for documented harms from vaccinations.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A cohort study found no link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and child development.
Aim of the study: The discussion on the safety of thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) and their impact on child development it́s very relevant.
Results: In bivariate analyses, motor and language development were associated with TCVs (p < 0.05). However, in the multivariate analysis, this association was not maintained (p > 0.05). These results indicate that the use of TCVs is not associated with child development. The importance of this study is summarized in transmitting relevant information regarding public health, based on reliable data.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyobservation of people
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A review indicates that since 2002, childhood vaccines in Europe and the United States have either not contained thimerosal or have contained only trace amounts.
Aim of the study: Thiomersal, also called thimerosal, is an ethyl mercury derivative used as a preservative to prevent bacterial contamination of multidose vaccine vials after they have been opened. Exposure to low doses of thiomersal has essentially been associated with hypersensitivity reactions.
Results: Recently, the hypothesis that mercury contained in vaccines could be the cause of autism and other neurological developmental disorders created a new debate in the medical community and the general public. To date, none of the epidemiological studies conducted in Europe and elsewhere support this assumption. Although any effort should be made to avoid useless exposure of vaccinees to a potentially toxic compound, it should be emphasized that 1) public communication on this issue has led to a decrease in the hepatitis B vaccination coverage of children born to HBs Ag positive mothers in the US; 2) this issue was not really relevant in France where until 2002, apart from two hepatitis B vaccines, all childhood vaccines were thiomersal-free, and 3) in developing countries using multidose vaccine vials, moving to thiomersal-free vaccines in unidose presentations would represent such an incremental cost that millions of children would no more have access to vaccination.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Thimerosal, a preservative, is a mercury compound, added to vaccines to kill any "live viruses," fungi, and bacteria in the vial. Aluminum (as aluminum hydroxide or aluminum phosphate) is an adjuvant in vaccines meant to boost antibody response. Both of these metals are regarded as environmental toxins.”Thimerosal, a preservative, is a mercury compound, added to vaccines to kill any "live viruses," fungi, and bacteria in the vial. Aluminum (as aluminum hydroxide or aluminum phosphate) is an adjuvant in vaccines meant to boost antibody response. Both of these metals are regarded as environmental toxins.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Fluarix, one of the main brands of flu vaccine in the USA and UK, is stated by the manufacturers to contain both gentamicin and thimerosal. We also used to think that flu vaccine prevented deaths from flu to a significant extent, even if it didn't prevent overt infection - until we realized there was a major artifact at work.”Fluarix, one of the main brands of flu vaccine in the USA and UK, is stated by the manufacturers to contain both gentamicin and thimerosal. We also used to think that flu vaccine prevented deaths from flu to a significant extent, even if it didn't prevent overt infection - until we realized there was a major artifact at work.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„While there is also a great deal of dispute over the inherent toxicity of the antigens that many vaccines present to the immune systems of those vaccinated, there is no question, for example, that thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, is highly toxic when present in significant amounts. This then begs the question: Rather than argue whether there is an infinitesimal, minimal, moderate, or significant amount of toxicity associated with the amounts of thimerosal or other potentially toxic components presently being used in vaccines, why not just neutralize whatever toxicity is present as completely and definitively as possible?”While there is also a great deal of dispute over the inherent toxicity of the antigens that many vaccines present to the immune systems of those vaccinated, there is no question, for example, that thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, is highly toxic when present in significant amounts. This then begs the question: Rather than argue whether there is an infinitesimal, minimal, moderate, or significant amount of toxicity associated with the amounts of thimerosal or other potentially toxic components presently being used in vaccines, why not just neutralize whatever toxicity is present as completely and definitively as possible?
Pisaczek does not judge who is right. It shows what was written and where to read it. Every sentence above has its source.