Evidence of Harm

Book excerpt: “One of the most thoroughly researched accounts of the thimerosal controversy thus far. The book for medical professionals and concerned parents to read.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review Reported autism cases among American children have risen from about 1 in 10,000 in 1987 to a shocking 1 in 166 today. This trend coincided with the addition of several new shots to the nation’s vaccination schedule. Most of these shots contained a preservative called thimerosal, which includes a quantity of the toxin mercury. Evidence of Harm explores the controversy over what many have called an “epidemic” of afflicted children. Following several families, David Kirby traces their struggle to understand how and why their once-healthy kids rapidly descended into silence or disturbed behavior, often accompanied by severe physical illness. These families sought answers from their doctors, from science, from pharmaceutical companies that manufacture vaccines, and finally from the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration—to no avail. But as they dug deeper, the families also found powerful allies in Congress and in the small community of physicians and researchers who believe that the rise of autism and other disorders is linked to toxic levels of mercury that accumulate in the systems of some children. From closed meetings of the FDA, CDC, and drug companies, to open hearings held by Congress, this book shows a medical establishment determined to deny “evidence of harm”. As research demonstrates, the questions raised have significant implications for all children, and for those entrusted to oversee our national health. “A thoroughly researched, well written, and important book.” —Bernard Rimland, director of the Autism Research Institute and founder of the Autism Society of America