A recent study concluded thimerosal, a mercury preservative commonly found in some childhood vaccines, can spur the development of autism-like damage in autoimmune-disease- susceptible mice. This model is the first to show low doses of mercury can lead to behavioral and neurological alterations in developing brains. It also supports previous studies demonstrating that environmental triggers and genetic factors affect the risk of autism.

Interest in the link between mercury and autism isn’t surprising, because genetic factors alone don’t account for the tenfold climb in autism over the past two decades. Over the course of the study, researchers found the mice exposed to thimerosal showed many behavioral and neuropathological features of autism disorders:

• Larger brain sizes
• Limited ranges of behaviors in addition to a decreased exploration of environments
• Abnormal responses to unique environments
• Deviations in brain architecture affecting areas that control emotions and thought

The cumulative exposure to mercury through other sources, including pre-birth exposure to fish, can also lead to damage. Why? The brain can suffer from exposure to toxins that have disappeared long before symptoms are noticed.

For the study, thimerosal testing on mice was developed by using the nation’s immunization schedule for children, with doses based on the weights of U.S. boys ages 1, 2, 4 and 6. Although thimerosal is still used in some flu vaccines, its presence has been reduced in the past few years, according to researchers.

Finding the link between genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers for autism is important, researchers said, because it promotes more research into effective safeguards that can limit or sidestep exposure in specific age groups to thimerosal. The data is also valuable in terms of comparing the results in mice to human babies, and dissecting the interaction between the environment and genes over time.

Molecular Psychiatry June 8, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Even though it was supposed to have been removed since 1999, due to mislabeling and other problems the presence of thimerosal in vaccines is still being felt. So much so that even the package inserts, which are supposed to detail exactly what is in a vaccine, may not even be accurate. This would mean that the doctor could not know for sure whether a certain toxic additive such as thimerosal is in the injection, and a parent would have no choice but to rely on the doctor for this crucial information. So before you make a decision on vaccinating your children, do your family a big favor by reviewing the many side effects and risks involved. Making the effort could mean all the difference between life and death. An essential resource for anyone interested in finding out more about the vaccine issue is "Vaccines: What CDC Documents and Science Reveal," a two-hour video by world-renowned vaccine expert Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, who conducted the above interview. The video is the culmination of Dr. Tenpenny’s three-year investigation into the real story behind vaccines. The facts on several crucial areas are covered including: How vaccines can cause illnesses including autoimmune diseases, allergies, ear infections, and more The very real link between vaccines and developmental learning and behavioral disorders in children How vaccines have never been proven safe The ingredients and contaminants in vaccines and why they’re detrimental to your health How vaccine studies are seriously flawed If you are a parent, a medical practitioner, or are otherwise interested in how to exercise your freedom of choice to bypass vaccines, you should also consider Dr. Tenpenny’s insightful cassette tape, "The Dangers of Vaccines, and How You Can Legally Avoid Them." Those interested in both the video and the tape can take advantage of our free shipping offer now. Related Articles: Vaccines May Fuel Autism Epidemic When Your Doctor is Wrong: Hepatitis B Vaccine & Autism Vaccine Safety and Benefits Not Scientifically Proven Vaccine Manufacturers Shirk Potential Autism Liability