The researchers used several methods to test the nickel content of 66 ear studs and earring backs imported into Finland from Germany, Sweden, Britain and the US - all of which were said to contain amounts of nickel well below the EU limits.

BBC: Earring

Thimerosal prevented bacteria and fungi from growing in the vaccine (and many other products, for example while it is no longer used in vaccines it is still used in tatttoo inks, nasal solution products, opthalmic drugs, eye products, ear products, toxoids, antivenins, immunoglobulins, and skin test antigens).

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