Could Autism Be Caused by MMR Vaccines?

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine and several other medical authorities stated that the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps. And rubella) that contained Thimerosal as a preservative, did not cause autism or neurological problems in children. However, over 4,900 families have disagreed with their findings, and have filed over 5,000 lawsuits with the Federal Court stating that their children developed autism or neurological problems after receiving the MMR vaccines. (The Federal Government had asked the drug manufacturers to eliminate or reduce the amount of Thimerosal in the MMR vaccines in 1999, so that no infant would be exposed to more mercury than recommenced by the federal guidelines.)

Thimerosal, contains ethyl mercury and is used as a preservative in various vaccines and boosters since 1939. However, ethyl mercury is a close cousin to methyl mercury which is a highly toxic substance. Methyl mercury causes damages to the nervous system, immune system, coordination, and senses such as taste, touch and sight. Furthermore, methyl mercury has been found in several various fish species and many states have now issued warnings on such species advising pregnant women, women of child bearing age, and children from consuming any of these contaminated fish. Two other types of mercury are known to cause damage, the mercury (elemental) found in thermometers and in the environment (used for mining gold), causes gingivitis, and tremors. HgCL2, or mercury salt, if ingested damages the gastrointestinal tract and causes kidney failure.