Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: a Medical Controversy (Hardcover)

You will see all this reported in the book. David Kirby is a journalist, and what he does is gather the evidence, gather the statements, gather the events, analyze and then report them. The book is closely and thoroughly argued, and professionals should find it useful (the book is comprehensively footnoted and referenced). At the same time Mr Kirby writes for a general audience, and writes to be understood. Parents of autistic children may find in it a horrifying revelation.

The book's title is deliberate. The book doesn't present the proof that the mercury in childrens' vaccines has damaged them, because the studies which would prove that one way or the other haven't been done. The book discusses that as well. What David Kirby does show is that there is 'evidence of harm', lots of it, and who has it. You must read it. Everyone must read it.

This book will make you very angry, one way or the other. If it does nothing else, it will make you much better informed.

People who were born prior to 1988 have most likely been subjected to mercury in other medications, as well as tuna. Again, that possible causal link. Robert Kennedy Jr., a long established environmentalist has worked tirelessly to clean the Hudson River as contaminants that fish ingest also affect people who eat those fish. Many articles and current studies and examples and accounts are showing a high incidence of autism after repeated ingestion of mercury.

Kirby has found allies in the forms of Robert Kennedy, Jr. and former DJ, now morning TV-host, Don Imus. Kennedy has appeared on talk shows, discussing the rise in autism in recent years, quoting this book. According to him and other experts, the current statistics show that one in 166 children has autism whereas in 1960 one in 2,500 showed some form of autistic behavior. California is one state that has discontinued the use of thimerosal in vaccines and the autism rate has dropped drastically. That in and of itself supports the high positive correlation between autism and thimerosal, which contains mercury. The question about mercury causing and/or exacerbating existing autism has also been brought to the forefront.

Kennedy, Jr., like Imus challenged pharmaceutical companies in re thimerosal. Their position is that thimerosal contributes nothing of a curative, preventive or preservative nature; therefore there is no need to include it in vaccines. It has only been included in vaccinations since 1988.

Many recent articles and documents citing cases have strongly supported Kirby's findings. The FDA and the CDC cannot be counted on to present unbiased findings to the public nor can these giants be expected to act in the best interests of all. Politics and money underscore these corporate behemoths and it is always at the cost of the individuals AND their children. The children end up being sacrificial lambs in a manner of speaking because it is their very health, interests and quality of life that is being compromised at great expense.

This empowering work includes lists of people who are part of the FDA and CDC including politicians who have received major contributions from huge pharmaceutical corporations. That porkbarrel repast does not a healty balance make!

While this book does not include more scientific components to back the claims stated herein, it is replete with many examples where it is so plain, so obvious and so clear-cut that the currently reported research and results have been slanted to favor the pharmaceutical giants. The sad, cruel irony is that people have entrusted their very lives and those of their children to such organizations that purport to have everybody's collective health and best interests in mind. Scary! What is so frustrating is that studies that show what Kirby, Kennedy and others are coming forward with are NOT being made public and available. That is why we need this book!

Why on earth this information has not been made accessible to people, especially in the United States where the Freedom of Information Act exists is downright negligent. The worst irony of all is that the very scientific organizations who claim to be reputable researchers have worked to alter the data and keep their findings from the world at large. That is acting at cross purposes with everybody! That is disgraceful!

While California has taken a giant step forward by eliminating thimerosal from vaccines, hope springs eternal that thimerosal will no longer be used. In recent months, TV-host Don Imus has banged on the drum about autism and said that since he doesn't have to answer to any pharmaceutical companies, he's going to say whatever he wants about finding causes for autism. Thanks to his tireless efforts, NBC newscaster Brian Williams has included segments about autism on his show throughout the summer of 2005. The unending refrain in Imus' autism awareness talks is why on earth are so many people terrified of the pharmaceutical companies?!! People who were born prior to 1988 have most likely been subjected to mercury in other medications, as well as tuna. Again, that possible causal link. His position has been that these companies take responsibility for conducting impartial research; making those findings accessible to the public and working on behalf of those they claim to be helping.

After reading this book, one will certainly think there is indeed a causal link between autism and mercury. Although this is not to say there is, evidence certainly leans in that direction. Sadly, one sees how trust issues regarding the FDA and the CDC have been compromised. Politics and corporate greed have infected the very agencies whom many have placed their trust regarding their health. Too bad there doesn't yet exist a bumper sticker that reads, "I'm autistic and I vote!" There are many adults with autism who are voting taxpaying citizens who are seriously interested in this.

This is a MUST READ for everybody. It is an enlightening look at polictics; the health industry; autism and possible causes. We need this book!

A must read for all parents and parents to be.........

Well written and referenced