THIMEROSAL & AUTISM SYMPTOMS RESOURCE

First Official Recognition of Thimerosal Dangers Made -May 2003-

“The CDC’s failure to state a preference for thimerosal-free vaccines in 2000 and again in 2001 was an abdication of their responsibility. As a result, many children received vaccines containing thimerosal when thimerosal-free alternatives were available.”
-“Mercury in Medicine- Taking Unnecessary Risks”, a report prepared by the Staff of the Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness Committee on Government Reform United States House Representatives, May 2003

After an extensive three-year investigation initiated by the Committee on Government Reform, a report was released concluding that, “there’s no question that mercury does not belong in vaccines.” For the first time, U.S. officials have undoubtedly recognized that thimerosal poses a very serious risk to those subjected to its’ neurotoxicity.

The House of Representative report is likely to result in a large number of thimerosal lawsuits. Read More...

In 1982 the FDA issued proposed regulations calling for the removal of thimerosal from over the counter products. The regulations were not finalized until 1998 despite the 16 years earlier when the FDA expert panel concluded thimerosal was unsafe, ineffective as a bacteriostatic agent, and caused cell damage. Thimerosal was continued in use regardless of the known fact that it is a neurotoxin.

July of 1999 the FDA requested that manufacturers remove thimerosal from pediatric vaccines because the immunization schedule had resulted in some children receiving a higher amount of mercury than the established amount deemed safe. When researchers looked at the effects of mercury poison, they found that if the vaccine schedule is followed American children had been exposed to 30 times the minimum acceptable level of mercury from vaccines.

The number of children that have been affected by autism had made a drastic jump from 1 in 2,000 in 1970 to 1 in 250 in 2000, and the number of children diagnosed with learning disabilities is now 1 in 5. Vaccines with mercury have been considered to contribute to autism, learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological conditions, yet many clinics still use thimerosal because of the gradual phasing out of mercury products. Chairman Dan Burton (R-IN) has been very involved with trying to recall all childhood immunizations containing thimerosal, renewing his request in October.

Burton said of the controversial vaccines, “We cannot in good conscience leave thimerosal-containing vaccines on the shelf until used up, potentially exposing children to chemicals that may lead to neuro-developmental disorders. Mercury is toxic to the human body. I will be sending a letter this week to Secretary Thompson asking that these products be recalled. In the meantime, I am asking every doctor, every health clinic, and every facility that provides childhood immunizations to check you vaccine supplies and return all thimerosal-containing vaccines and request thimerosal-free vaccines.” This has followed an April hearing from a number of physicians and scientists about the risks of using mercury in childhood vaccines and a July 2000 hearing on the risks of mercury in medicine. A Canadian study also showed dramatic toxic effects on brain cells exposed to mercury.

A number of lawsuits were announced the day after the National Academy of Sciences released a report saying researchers still are unable to determine if there is a link between thimerosal and disorders in children. But the report concluded, "The effort to remove thimerosal from vaccines was a prudent measure in support of the public health goal to reduce the mercury exposure of infants and children as much as possible." Lawsuits have been filed because of the drug company’s failure to tell doctors how much mercury was contained in the vaccines until Congress ordered the FDA to find out in 1997. Currently defendants include drug companies Aventis Pasteur Inc., Pasteur Merieux Connaught, Pfizer Inc., a subsidiary of Warner-Lambert, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co., Abbott Laboratories, American Home Products, Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Lederle Laboratories, Baxter International Inc., Eli Lilly & Co., Integra Chemical Co., Sigma Chemical Co., and Aldrich Chemical Co.

This website is intended for those wishing to learn their legal rights on the thimerosal-containing vaccines that have become a controversial subject. There is valuable information regarding the risks that mercury poses, especially in fetuses, babies, and young children, as well as other online resources. We welcome any questions involving the adverse affects that you, or a loved one has suffered due to thimerosal-containing vaccines and can provide sound legal counsel that is appropriate for your case.

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Thimerosal Information
Thimerosal is a mercury-containing organic compound, or an organomercurial. Since the 1930s, it has been used as a preservative in a number of biological and drug products, including many vaccines, to help prevent potentially life threatening contamination with harmful microbes.

Dangers Of Mercury
Mercury is the second most toxic element on earth to plutonium. Toxicity of mercury has been linked to many different diseases, including autism, learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Vaccine Information
A vaccine is a preparation containing the weakened or killed microorganisms that cause a particular disease. When these substances are injected or taken orally, the body stimulates the immune system to produce the necessary defenses against that disease.

Thimerosal FAQ
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about Thimerosal.

Thimerosal In The News
Catch the latest Thimerosal updates in the news.

Contact A Thimerosal Attorney
If you have a loved one that has suffered the serious effects of thimerosal-containing vaccines we provide sound legal counsel. We encourage you to contact us regarding any questions you have so that we can inform you of your legal rights.

Contact a Lawyer

This website is intended for those wishing to learn their legal rights on the thimerosal-containing vaccines that have become a controversial subject. There is valuable information regarding the risks that mercury poses, especially in fetuses, babies, and young children, as well as other online resources. We welcome any questions involving the adverse affects that you, or a loved one has suffered due to thimerosal-containing vaccines and can provide sound legal counsel that is appropriate for your case.