New Scientific Evidence Links Autism to Vaccines and Mercury
Ending the Autism Epidemic Starts with Removal of Harmful Exposures, Says SafeMinds
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., July 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Two
papers in this week's neuroscience journal Acta Neurobiologiae
Experimentalis point to vaccines and heavy metals including mercury
as causes of the alarming rise in autism. The Centers for Disease
Control now estimate autism to affect one in 110 children, up 40%
from just a few years ago.
"The rapid increase in autism cannot be explained solely by
changes in diagnostic practices and awareness," said Sallie
Bernard, president of SafeMinds. "We must look at what babies and
pregnant women are being exposed to that has created this epidemic
and take immediate steps to protect our children from these
hazardous substances."
In the first study, researchers compared two sets of infant
macaque monkeys. One set was unvaccinated while the second set
received vaccines identical to the 1990s pediatric schedule, most
of which contained mercury. Infant macaques were used due to their
similarity to human infants.
The vaccinated monkeys showed increased brain growth. Larger
head size is a hallmark of human infants who later develop autism.
The vaccinated primates also showed altered maturation of the
brain's amygdala. The amygdala is responsible for emotions, memory
and learning. Individuals with autism often struggle in these
areas.
The second paper was a critical appraisal of research on autism
and heavy metals such as mercury. A re-examination of several
studies demonstrated higher metal levels in autistic children than
controls. The authors calculated that 43 out of 58 scientific
reports suggest a heavy metals-autism link, while 13 suggest no
link. They concluded that "the weight of evidence favor[s] a
connection."
SafeMinds is calling for Federal legislation to ban mercury in
vaccines as has been done already by many states. Most influenza
vaccines still contain mercury. SafeMinds also asks Congress to
pass the Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 to discontinue use of harmful
substances when proof of safety is absent.
"While we wait for government action, the public can limit their
exposures to toxicants which alter infant development leading to
conditions like autism," said Ms. Bernard. "The public can refuse
vaccines with mercury, can make choices for their child's vaccine
schedule, and can create homes that are largely
mercury-free."
SafeMinds (www.safeminds.org) is a nonprofit organization which
investigates and raises awareness of the risks of autism and
related conditions from manmade toxicants including mercury
compounds in vaccines.
Media Contacts: Rebecca Estepp 858.829.6454
Lyn Redwood 404.932.1786
Source: SafeMinds
CONTACT: Rebecca Estepp, +1-858-829-6454, Lyn Redwood,
+1-404-932-1786,
both for SafeMinds
Web Site: http://www.safeminds.org/
Posted: July 2010
