Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy - Brossura

Kirby, David

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0312326459 ISBN 13: 9780312326456

Casa editrice: St. Martin's Griffin, 2006

Riassunto

In the 1990s reported autism cases among American children began spiking, 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 already crowded vaccination schedule, grouped together and given soon after birth or in the early months of infancy. Most of these shots contained a little-known preservative called thimerosal, which includes a quantity of the toxin mercury.

Evidence of Harm explores the heated controversy over what many parents, physicians, public officials, and educators 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. Alarmed by the levels of mercury in the vaccine schedule, 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.

An important and troubling book, Evidence of Harm reveals both the public and unsung obstacles faced by desperate families who have been opposed by the combined power of the federal government, health agencies, and pharmaceutical giants. From closed meetings of the FDA, CDC, and drug companies, to the mysterious rider inserted into the 2002 Homeland Security Bill that would bar thimerosal litigation, to open hearings held by Congress, this book shows a medical establishment determined to deny "evidence of harm" that might be connected with thimerosal and mercury in vaccines. In the end, as research is beginning to demonstrate, the questions raised by these families have significant implications for all children, and for those entrusted to oversee our national health.

Su questo libro

L'autore:

David Kirby has been a contributor to The New York Times for eight years, where he writes articles about science and health, among other subjects. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Product Description:

In the 1990s, autism in American children began spiking, from 1-2 in 10,000 in 1987 to a shocking 1 in 166 today. In this period, two series of shots containing a mercury-based preservative called Thimerosal were added to the nation's already crowded vaccination schedule. Some parents noticed their healthy children suddenly descending into silent, disturbed, and physically ill autism soon after receiving vaccinations. They discovered that children were being exposed to mercury at very young ages - even before birth-at levels far exceeding federal regulations, yet their concerns were either ignored or dismissed by the FDA and the CDC. "Evidence Of Harm" explores both sides of this controversy, which has pitted families against the federal government, public health agencies, and some powerful doctors, researchers, and pharmaceutical giants. It reveals: The Story of Thimerosal: a mercury-based additive approved by the FDA in the 1930s and never subsequently tested; The "Mercury Mums" and their struggle to help their afflicted children; the invitation-only meeting at which FDA, CDC, medical, and pharmaceutical company officials discussed mercury, vaccines, and autism; and the mysterious rider to the Homeland security bill, originally drafted by Senator Bill Frist, which would provide extended liability protection to drug companies. This even-handed, important book examines both the personal stories of families and the unfolding political drama in the courts and halls of Congress.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: St. Martin's Griffin
• Data di pubblicazione: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0312326459
• ISBN 13: 9780312326456
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 512