In the same “Vaccine Wars” episode, researchers argued that mercury poisoning an
ID: 127911 • Letter: I
Question
In the same “Vaccine Wars” episode, researchers argued that mercury poisoning and autism do not resemble each other. This statement was made to refute claims of causality between exposure to the preservative thimerosol (which contains mercury) that was used in vaccines in the past, and the outcome of autism. This argument against causality relates to which of the following causal criteria?
A)
Dose-response relationship
B)
Biologic plausibility
C)
Temporal relationship
D)
Strength of association
A)
Dose-response relationship
B)
Biologic plausibility
C)
Temporal relationship
D)
Strength of association
Explanation / Answer
Answer is B - Biologic plausibility
it is because biologic plausibility rests on the existence of scientifically viable mechanisms. thimeresol is toxic to central nervous system which weakens the immune system and hence may result in autism. hence this is biologic plausibility