“Rust causes tetanus”

It is a widespread belief that rust, particularly from a rusty nail or metal, directly causes tetanus. This misconception often creates alarm after a cut from an old, corroded object. However, the reality is that rust itself is not the source of this dangerous infection.

The true culprit behind tetanus is a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani bacteria. These bacteria are ubiquitous, found in soil