Mercury needs to be limited

To the editor:

Emerging medical data suggest there may be a correlation between immunizations containing mercury given to the children in the last 1980s and early 1990s with the recent rise in autism.

Mercury, a dangerous toxin, has been used as a preservative in immunizations for 50 years. States required more immunizations in the 1980s. A 2-year-old would have received 10 to 12 shots containing mercury, far exceeding allowable amounts for adults.

In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Pediatricians recommended that mercury preservatives be removed from immunizations. Most manufacturers have voluntarily complied. Most influenza immunizations still contain mercury-based preservatives.

Recent information indicates that boys are affected four times more than girls. Recent genetic studies suggest some persons are less able to detoxify mercury and are therefore more susceptible to its effects.

While the increased prevalence of autism can be partially attributed to early detection and new understandings of the condition, there seems to be growing concern among medical professionals that the correlation with the immunizations is significant.

Therefore, it seems a prudent measure to reduce mercury exposure to infants, children and pregnant women.

JERRY FORD

Executive Director

Missouri Association for Retarded Persons

Cape Girardeau