Injecting Aluminum

From the start, Marie-Ange Poyet's French documentary (dubbed in English) distances itself from anti-vaccine films such as Vaxxed (VL-11/16) since the filmmaker is more interested in the harmful effects of aluminum than in vaccines. Although scientists have known about the dangers for decades, it is still an ingredient in some vaccine adjuvants (substances that enhance immune response). Proponents claim that these are safe, but can remain in the immune system for years, eventually making some patients ill, such as interviewees Nathalie Etienne and Laurent Lehrer. It took several years before their illness—macrophagic myofasciitis—even had a name. Before then, sufferers had no idea what was going on, and doctors were clueless about how to treat them. For Etienne and Lehrer, the symptoms include sciatica, skin sensitivity, joint and muscle pain, and cognitive difficulties. Doctors here agree that the testing and regulation regarding aluminum is poor (the most widely cited test, for instance, involved two rabbits). Le Monde journalist Stéphane Foucart notes that the scientists who have given aluminum the all-clear also have ties to the vaccine industry—a conflict of interest that casts doubt on their judgment. Major corporations such as Nestlé and L'Oreal have also discouraged research, since many of their products contain aluminum. Keele University chemistry professor Chris Exley believes that aluminum also contributes to Alzheimer's disease. Likely to be of interest to those following the vaccine wars, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)