Striving4Zen

Going against the opinion of America’s top public health agencies, John McCain has suggested that autism may be linked to thimerosal, a preservative containing mercury that used to be common in children’s vaccines.

“It’s indisputable that autism is on the rise among children,” McCain (pictured) reportedly said while campaigning recently in Texas. “The question is, What’s causing it? And we go back and forth, and there’s strong evidence that indicates that it’s got to do with a preservative in vaccines.”

The New York Times reported on the comment this morning; an ABC News blog reported it a few days ago.

Some vocal parents’ groups, among others, have argued that thimerosal is linked to autism. But most medical experts say the evidence doesn’t suggest such a connection.

“No scientific data link thimerosal used as a preservative in vaccines with any pediatric neurologic disorder, including autism,” says the American Academy of Pediatrics. The CDC has come to a similar conclusion, as did a a report by the Institute of Medicine.

Nevertheless, partly in response to parents’ concerns, use of thimerosal in children’s vaccines has been radically reduced in recent years.

Source

* I'd rather be safe than sorry! I'm with McCain!

Labels: autism, McCain, mercury, thimerosal, vaccines