Mercury

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the chemical properties and uses of mercury. It particularly discusses the medical uses of mercury and then goes on to describe the concerns of using mercury for medicinal purposes. The paper discusses the fact that government regulatory agencies are being pressured into loosening mercury pollution controls, despite the fact that history and science have shown the risks of mercury poisoning. The paper concludes by discussing the possible link between mercury in childhood vaccinations and the development of autism.

From the Paper:

"Thimerosal, or thiomersal, is an organic compound containing mercury, that is used as an antiseptic and antifungal treatment Originally trademarked under the name Merthiolate in 1929, it has been "used as a preservative in vaccines, immune globulin preparations, skin test antigens, antivenoms, ophthalmic and nasal products, and tattoo inks." (Wikipedia 2006c) Most childhood vaccinations not longer contain thimerosal, and are instead stored in single-dose vials that do not need the same preservatives added. It was first used as a bactericide in vaccines in the early 1930s, and by the mid 1980s it was used in the vast majority of vaccines. In 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics requested the removal of thimerosal from all pediatric vaccines. Today, thimerosal is still used in a few United States vaccinations, and "The World Health Organization, with US funding, is providing thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) for children in developing countries with the same amounts of thimerosal, as were given American children at their peak exposure levels." (Wikipedia 2006c)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• AIAID. (2005, April 21) Frequently Asked Questions: NIAID-Supported Studies on Mercury, Thimerosal, and Vaccine Safety. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved April 2006 from http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/thimerosalqa.htm
• Burbacher, T.M. (2005, August) Comparison of blood and brain mercury levels in infant monkeys exposed to methylmercury or vaccines containing thimerosal. Environmental Health Perspectives. Retrieved April 2006 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYP/is_8_113/ai_n15343360/print
• Fuentes, A. (2004, May-June) Injecting mercury: is thimerosal the missing link to autism and developmental problems? E: The Environmental Magazine. Retrieved April 2006, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1594/is_3_15/ai_n6137134/print
• Haley, B.E. (2002, November-December) Toxic overload: assessing the role of mercury in autism. Mothering. Retrieved April 2006, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0838/is_2002_Nov-Dec/ai_100807170/print
• O'Meara, K.P. (2003, June 24) Vaccines May Fuel Autism Epidemic; A new study indicates childhood vaccines containing a mercury-based preservative may be the culprits behind the surge in autism cases sweeping the United States. Insight on the News. Retrieved April 2006, from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1571/is_2003_June_24/ai_103603753/print

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