Which metal is associated with vaccines and could be toxic?

Which metal is associated with vaccines and could be toxic?

• A. Mercury
• B. Arsenic
• C. Lead
• D. Cadmium

Answer: (A)

Mercury is the metal linked to vaccines and has known toxicity. In the past, vaccines used thimerosal, a preservative containing ethylmercury to prevent contamination in multi-dose vials. Concerns about mercury exposure led to reductions or removal of thimerosal from most vaccines in many places, though trace amounts may still be present in some vaccines. Mercury compounds are toxic and can affect the nervous system, especially with higher exposures. The other metals listed—arsenic, lead, and cadmium—are toxic as well, but they are not typically associated with vaccines in the same way as mercury is historically.

Mercury is the metal linked to vaccines and has known toxicity. In the past, vaccines used thimerosal, a preservative containing ethylmercury to prevent contamination in multi-dose vials. Concerns about mercury exposure led to reductions or removal of thimerosal from most vaccines in many places, though trace amounts may still be present in some vaccines. Mercury compounds are toxic and can affect the nervous system, especially with higher exposures. The other metals listed—arsenic, lead, and cadmium—are toxic as well, but they are not typically associated with vaccines in the same way as mercury is historically.