Exposure to Mercury and Aluminum in Early Life: Developmental Vulnerability as a Modifying Factor in Neurologic and Immunologic Effects

Abstract

Currently, ethylmercury (EtHg) and adjuvant-Al are the dominating interventional exposures encountered by fetuses, newborns, and infants due to immunization with Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs). Despite their long use as active agents of medicines and fungicides, the safety levels of these substances have never been determined, either for animals or for adult humans—much less for fetuses, newborns, infants, and children. I reviewed the literature for papers reporting on outcomes associated with (a) multiple exposures and metabolism of EtHg and Al during early life; (b) physiological and metabolic characteristics of newborns, neonates, and infants relevant to xenobiotic exposure and effects; (c) neurobehavioral, immunological, and inflammatory reactions to Thimerosal and Al-adjuvants resulting from TCV exposure in infancy. Immunological and neurobehavioral effects of Thimerosal-EtHg and Al-adjuvants are not extraordinary; rather, these effects are easily detected in high and low income countries, with co-exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) or other neurotoxicants. Rigorous and replicable studies (in different animal species) have shown evidence of EtHg and Al toxicities. More research attention has been given to EtHg and findings have showed a solid link with neurotoxic effects in humans; however, the potential synergic effect of both toxic agents has not been properly studied. Therefore, early life exposure to both EtHg and Al deserves due consideration.

Pilot comparative study on the health of vaccinated and unvaccinated 6- to 12- year old U.S. children

“…Knowledge is limited even for vaccines with a long record of safety and protection against contagious diseases [12]. The safe levels and longterm effects of vaccine ingredients such as adjuvants and preservatives are also unknown [13]. Other concerns include the safety and costeffectiveness of newer vaccines against diseases that are potentially lethal for individuals but have a lesser impact on population health, such as the group B meningococcus vaccine [14].…”

Impact of catch-up vaccination on aluminum exposure due to new laws and post social distancing

“…Bodyweight and intracorporeal aluminum uptake considerations have led to improved understanding of the relative amount of aluminum from food, water, formula and breastmilk relative to vaccines over naïve expectations. The updated knowledge includes that vaccinated infants up to six months of age acquire far more aluminum from vaccines than from food, water and anything made with water such as baby formula [ 12 ][ 26 ].…”

Influenza a Virus (H1N1)

“…Ethyl mercury in small amounts does not present health risks according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, as well as those obtained in formulations of vaccines associated with food, especially fish containing methyl mercury (MeHg), this in turn neurotoxic, the body becomes a reservoir of mercury and this combination, are associated with negative responses in neurological development, especially in early childhood [16,17]. Marques, et al studied 1,139 children (6-24 months of age plus prenatal period) from the Western Amazon based on combined exposure (low, intermediate and high) for chronic MeHg through fish and acute consumption through vaccines containing Thimerosal (EtHg) [18].…”