The Debate About Mercury Contamination and Autism

The Debate About Mercury Contamination and Autism

Though autism has been identified since the 1940s, there has yet to be a cure discovered or a definite cause established. This leaves many wondering if it is something that is happening because of our lifestyle, or if this is a condition that has been misdiagnosed for a very long time. There are record numbers of children now being diagnosed with autism. Is this because we are now able to pinpoint the proper diagnosis, or is there something more sinister going on? Many claim the high numbers of diagnosis are due to more understanding about this condition, and that makes it easier to get the correct diagnosis. Others believe mercury contamination and autism are related.

When it comes to mercury, the culprit seems to be related to childhood vaccinations. These are vaccinations that all children get, and many cannot enter school without them. However, there are a number of parents who believe these vaccinations that are meant to protect their children have led to autism.

There is a preservative used in some vaccinations that is called Thimerosal. This is almost half mercury in content, and is used when more than one dosage of a vaccine is in one bottle. This is meant to stop any sort of contamination that might occur.

Mercury is dangerous. However, its link to autism is debated. There has been research that has found a ‘biomarker’ which indicates that children with autism are more prone to having serious problems when toxins are introduced into the system. Because most children with autism have autoimmune problems, this does make sense. This then, would give the mercury contamination theory validity. Though most children would not be bothered by Thimerosal, a child with this biomarker might have huge problems. Vaccinations are not the only sources of this however, as there is mercury in other places that might very well be unknowingly ingested by any person.

There have been many studies conducted that state vaccinations have no link to autism, but there are many who simply don’t buy that theory. As a result, parents are refusing to vaccinate their children completely. Though this might indeed stop the mercury from entering the system of the child, their health is then placed in jeopardy. This can be a hard decision for many parents to make, though some see it as a very cut and dry conclusion. There are now vaccines that are said to be mercury-free. However, there may still be traces of it in the vaccine.

If you are concerned, you should tell your doctor that you want mercury-free vaccines, and that you will not accept any other type for your child. Though there seems to be an ongoing debate, looking at the dangers of mercury would be enough to alarm anyone.

Most children will not have a problem with the regular vaccines, but there is no way to know if your child will or not. The increase in the numbers of children with autism might just have to do with better diagnosis and understanding, but that does not eliminate the mercury contamination and autism connection that many feel is legitimate. If you feel strongly about this, ask your doctor for the single vaccinations, and if they won’t offer them, find someone who will.