evidence of harm 1 evidence of harm – presentation: nashville, tn november 11, 2006 david kirby
TRANSCRIPT
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 11
EVIDENCE EVIDENCE OF HARM – OF HARM –
PresentationPresentation:: Nashville, TN Nashville, TN
November 11, 2006November 11, 2006
David KirbyDavid Kirby
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 22
Much of the following information Much of the following information may be found at:may be found at:
WWW.EVIDENCEOFHARM.COMWWW.EVIDENCEOFHARM.COM
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 33
AUTISM BY THE NUMBERS: AUTISM BY THE NUMBERS: US & EUROPE US & EUROPE
USA - 1980’s: 1-2 per 10,000 childrenUSA - 1980’s: 1-2 per 10,000 children Late 1990’s: 1 in 500 (2 per 1000)Late 1990’s: 1 in 500 (2 per 1000) 2000: 1 in 250 (4 per 1000)2000: 1 in 250 (4 per 1000) 2004: 1 in 166 (6 per 1000)2004: 1 in 166 (6 per 1000) 2006: 1 in 175 (5.5 per 1000)2006: 1 in 175 (5.5 per 1000)
-------------------------- UK – 2004: 1 in 166 (6 per 1000)UK – 2004: 1 in 166 (6 per 1000)
“Full blown”: (2 per 1000) “ASD”: (4 per 1000)“Full blown”: (2 per 1000) “ASD”: (4 per 1000) Denmark – 2004: 1 in 1,300(0.8 per 1000)Denmark – 2004: 1 in 1,300(0.8 per 1000)
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 44
OTHER POSSIBLE OTHER POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL “TRIGGERS”??ENVIRONMENTAL “TRIGGERS”??
Mercury in fish/air/amalgamsMercury in fish/air/amalgams PesticidesPesticides PCB’sPCB’s Flame retardantsFlame retardants Jet fuelJet fuel Live virus in vaccines (MMR)Live virus in vaccines (MMR) As-yet unidentified virusAs-yet unidentified virus Rampant cell phone use Rampant cell phone use
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 55
KNOW YOUR MERCURY (Hg)KNOW YOUR MERCURY (Hg)TYPETYPE SOURCE SOURCE EXPOSURE EXPOSURE Elemental HgElemental Hg ThermometersThermometers VaporVapor
AmalgamsAmalgamsLights/batteriesLights/batteries
Inorganic HgInorganic Hg US Coal (40 tons)US Coal (40 tons) Air pollutantsAir pollutantsChinese Coal Chinese Coal Crematoria Crematoria JunkyardsJunkyardsVolcanoesVolcanoesWildfires (800 tons)Wildfires (800 tons)
Organic Methyl HgOrganic Methyl Hg FishFish IngestionIngestion
Organic Ethyl HgOrganic Ethyl HgThimerosalThimerosal VaccinesVaccinesAntifungalsAntifungals Parks/tree farmsParks/tree farmsOTC TopicalsOTC Topicals
66
THE "THIMEROSAL GENERATION”THE "THIMEROSAL GENERATION”Maximum Exposure in 1Maximum Exposure in 1stst year of life - US Schedule - 1992-200? year of life - US Schedule - 1992-200?
AGEAGE SHOTSSHOTS HG CONTENTHG CONTENT
BIRTHBIRTH Hep BHep B 12.5mcg12.5mcg
8lb infant (3.6kg)– EPA Hg limit: 0.36mcg = 8lb infant (3.6kg)– EPA Hg limit: 0.36mcg = 35 times over35 times over4lb infant (1.8kg) – EPA Hg limit: 0.18mcg = 4lb infant (1.8kg) – EPA Hg limit: 0.18mcg = 70 times over70 times over
2 MONTHS2 MONTHS Hep BHep B 12.5mcg12.5mcgHIbHIb 25.0mcg25.0mcgDTaPDTaP 25.0mcg25.0mcg
(subtotal for visit):(subtotal for visit):62.5mcg62.5mcg
Avg. weight: 10lbs/4.5kg EPA limit: 0.45mcg = Avg. weight: 10lbs/4.5kg EPA limit: 0.45mcg = 138 times over138 times over
4 MONTHS4 MONTHS HIbHIb 25.0mcg25.0mcgDTaPDTaP 25.0 mcg25.0 mcg
((subtotal for visit):subtotal for visit): 50.0 mcg50.0 mcgAvg. weight: 14lbs/6.5kg EPA limit: 0.65mcg = Avg. weight: 14lbs/6.5kg EPA limit: 0.65mcg = 72 times over72 times over
77
Maximum Hg exposure in 1Maximum Hg exposure in 1stst year of life - US year of life - US Childhood Schedule - 1992-200?Childhood Schedule - 1992-200?
AGEAGE SHOTSSHOTS HG CONTENTHG CONTENT
6 MONTHS6 MONTHS HiBHiB 25.0mcg25.0mcgDTaPDTaP 25.0mcg25.0mcg
(subtotal for visit):(subtotal for visit): 50.0mcg50.0mcg
Avg. weight: 16lbs/7.3kg EPA limit: 0.73mcg = 68Avg. weight: 16lbs/7.3kg EPA limit: 0.73mcg = 68 times over times over
12 MONTHS12 MONTHS HiBHiB 25.0mcg25.0mcgDTaPDTaP 25.0mcg25.0mcg
(subtotal for visit):(subtotal for visit): 50.0mcg50.0mcg
Avg. weight: 20lbs/9kg EPA Hg limit: 0.9mcg = Avg. weight: 20lbs/9kg EPA Hg limit: 0.9mcg = 55 times over55 times over
TOTAL Hg EXPOSURE IN FIRST YEAR: 212.5mcg
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 88
EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE MERCURY-AUTISM MERCURY-AUTISM
HYPOTHESISHYPOTHESIS
99
ACRODYNIA (PINK DISEASE)ACRODYNIA (PINK DISEASE)Cause: Inorganic Hg used in teething powders Cause: Inorganic Hg used in teething powders
Afflicted tens of thousands of children in 1930-1950’s.Afflicted tens of thousands of children in 1930-1950’s.
Symptoms: weepy rash & peeling skin -AND- withdrawal, Symptoms: weepy rash & peeling skin -AND- withdrawal, poor eye contact, poor coordination and muscle control, poor eye contact, poor coordination and muscle control, lethargy, repetitive behaviors, rocking, spastic movements, lethargy, repetitive behaviors, rocking, spastic movements, emotional outbursts, self-injury, sensitivity to light, visual emotional outbursts, self-injury, sensitivity to light, visual impairments, drooling, insomnia, general ill health.impairments, drooling, insomnia, general ill health.
1-in-500 exposed children developed the disease.1-in-500 exposed children developed the disease.
Years passed before mercury poisoning was gradually Years passed before mercury poisoning was gradually accepted as the cause, despite stiff resistance by industry.accepted as the cause, despite stiff resistance by industry.
By 1954, most mercury was eliminated from teething By 1954, most mercury was eliminated from teething powders. Cases fell sharply and then disappeared entirely.powders. Cases fell sharply and then disappeared entirely.
Today, Pink disease is virtually unheard of.Today, Pink disease is virtually unheard of.
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 1010
CHILD WITH ACRODYNIA CHILD WITH AUTISM(Mercury poisoning) (Will Redwood)
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 1111
INJECTING POISON?
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 1212
1991 MSDS – Eli Lilly:
“Use of chelating agents may be needed to treat ingestion of
mercury”
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 1313
TOTAL Hg BURDEN AND AUTISM TOTAL Hg BURDEN AND AUTISM RATES IN CALIFORNIA 1985-98RATES IN CALIFORNIA 1985-98
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 1414
BOYD HALEY – NEUROTOXICITYBOYD HALEY – NEUROTOXICITYSurvival rates of neurons after 24 hour exposure to thimerosal, aluminum,Survival rates of neurons after 24 hour exposure to thimerosal, aluminum,
antibiotics and testosterone--antibiotics and testosterone--
Time (hr) After Treatment
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Neu
ron
Surv
ival
(% In
itial
Num
ber)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Control
50 nM thimerosal
500 nM Al(OH)3
1.75 µg Neomycin/ml
50 nM Thimerosal500 nM Al(OH)3
50 nM Thimerosal1.75 µg Neomycin/ml
50 nM Thimerosal500 nM Al(OH)3
1.75 µg Neomycin/ml
Al:NEOMYCIN:TESTERONE EFFECTS
+ TESTOSTERONE
SYNERGISTIC TOXICITIES
50 NANOMOLAR
DR. MARK LOVELL
COLLABORATOR
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 1515
BRADSTREET ET. AL. – Autistic BRADSTREET ET. AL. – Autistic kids excrete kids excrete 6 times6 times more Hg more Hg
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 1616
Chelation results from autistic childChelation results from autistic child
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 1717
Holmes, Haley and Blaxill Holmes, Haley and Blaxill Baby Haircut Study 2003Baby Haircut Study 2003
Autistic vs. ControlsAutistic vs. Controls
1818
Mady Hornig – Columbia UniversityMady Hornig – Columbia UniversityHornig used one mouse strain with genetic Hg Hornig used one mouse strain with genetic Hg sensitivity and autoimmunity and two strains sensitivity and autoimmunity and two strains without them, then replicated the immunization without them, then replicated the immunization schedule using thimerosal-containing vaccines.schedule using thimerosal-containing vaccines.
Sensitive mice showed significant delay in weight gain.Sensitive mice showed significant delay in weight gain.
Sensitive mice had Sensitive mice had enlarged brainsenlarged brains, noted in autistic , noted in autistic children.children.
““Behavioral impoverishment” was highly significant the Behavioral impoverishment” was highly significant the sensitive strain.sensitive strain.
40 percent of sensitive mice were “self-mutilatory” at six 40 percent of sensitive mice were “self-mutilatory” at six months, ie, frantically grooming or biting tails.months, ie, frantically grooming or biting tails.
One mouse groomed through partner’s skull.One mouse groomed through partner’s skull.
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 1919
KNOW YOUR KNOW YOUR THIOLSTHIOLS
ThiolThiol – A class of – A class of SULFUR-BASEDSULFUR-BASED proteins that bind with heavy metals proteins that bind with heavy metals and eliminate them from the system.and eliminate them from the system.
Thiols include – Glutathione, cysteine Thiols include – Glutathione, cysteine and metallothioneine. and metallothioneine.
Synonym for thiol = “mercaptan” Synonym for thiol = “mercaptan” from the Latin from the Latin mercurium captans: mercurium captans: literally “mercury capturer.”literally “mercury capturer.”
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 2020
Jill James – Glutathione Depletion Jill James – Glutathione Depletion in Autistic Childrenin Autistic Children
Discovered that ASD kids have low or Discovered that ASD kids have low or depleted levels of “thiols,” including depleted levels of “thiols,” including glutathione – a powerful antioxidant.glutathione – a powerful antioxidant.
Thiols, are the body’s natural defenses Thiols, are the body’s natural defenses again heavy metals.again heavy metals.
Low thiols levels are thought to be based Low thiols levels are thought to be based on genes - and possible mercury exposure on genes - and possible mercury exposure (See: R. Deth).(See: R. Deth).
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 2121
BURBACHER STUDYBURBACHER STUDYUniv. of Washington Primate Ctr.Univ. of Washington Primate Ctr.
Compared ethylmercury from thimerosal and Compared ethylmercury from thimerosal and methylmercury from fish. methylmercury from fish.
Methylmercury remained in blood longer and Methylmercury remained in blood longer and crossed blood-brain barrier more.crossed blood-brain barrier more.
Gov’t press release and media reported the Gov’t press release and media reported the message: Ethylmercury is message: Ethylmercury is lessless hazardous. hazardous.
BUT - Ethyl degrades into inorganic mercury much BUT - Ethyl degrades into inorganic mercury much faster than methyl. faster than methyl.
Twice as much inorganic Hg deposited in brains Twice as much inorganic Hg deposited in brains of the ethyl over methyl group.of the ethyl over methyl group.
Half the methyl-exposed brains had Half the methyl-exposed brains had no detectableno detectable inorganic Hginorganic Hg
Inorganic Hg trapped in brain can spark immune Inorganic Hg trapped in brain can spark immune response, activation of glial cells, inflammation – response, activation of glial cells, inflammation – average delay of symptoms was 6 months!average delay of symptoms was 6 months!
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 2222
HARVARD & JOHNS HOPKINS STUDIES HARVARD & JOHNS HOPKINS STUDIES ON AUTISTIC BRAINSON AUTISTIC BRAINS
HARVARD:HARVARD:
“ “Neuro-inflammation” found in autistic brain tissue from Neuro-inflammation” found in autistic brain tissue from childhood through adulthood. childhood through adulthood.
Study suggests that “chronic disease or an external Study suggests that “chronic disease or an external environmental source (ie, heavy metals)” may be cause.environmental source (ie, heavy metals)” may be cause.
JOHNS HOPKINS:JOHNS HOPKINS:
Inflammation found in autistic brains - apparently Inflammation found in autistic brains - apparently associated with activation of brain’s immune system.associated with activation of brain’s immune system.
Compared with controls, autistic tissue showed ongoing Compared with controls, autistic tissue showed ongoing inflammation in various sections of brain.inflammation in various sections of brain.
Inflammation was produced by activation of Inflammation was produced by activation of brain cells known as microglia and astrogliabrain cells known as microglia and astroglia..
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 2323
Coal Emissions a Risk Factor?Coal Emissions a Risk Factor?
University of TexasUniversity of Texas – Published in – Published in Health and Place – Hg Health and Place – Hg from coal-fired power plants may increase ASD risk. from coal-fired power plants may increase ASD risk.
Study looked at Texas county levels of emissions, Study looked at Texas county levels of emissions, compared to ASD rates and special ed in 1,200 school compared to ASD rates and special ed in 1,200 school districts. Autism increased as mercury emissions rose. For districts. Autism increased as mercury emissions rose. For every thousand pounds of Hg, there was a 61 percent every thousand pounds of Hg, there was a 61 percent increase in autism rates.increase in autism rates.
One county with low mercury emissions but significant One county with low mercury emissions but significant autism rates was found to harbor one of the nation’s largest autism rates was found to harbor one of the nation’s largest mercury mines. mercury mines.
Author: “A potentially important connection between Author: “A potentially important connection between environmental exposure to mercury and the development environmental exposure to mercury and the development of autism.”of autism.”
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 2424
California Kaiser Study –California Kaiser Study – Funded By CDC Funded By CDC
284 ASD children 657 controls, born in 1994 in the 284 ASD children 657 controls, born in 1994 in the SF Bay Area.SF Bay Area.
Assigned exposure level by census tract of birth for Assigned exposure level by census tract of birth for 19 chemicals.19 chemicals.
Risks for ASD were elevated by 50% in the tracts Risks for ASD were elevated by 50% in the tracts with the highest chlorinated solvents and heavy with the highest chlorinated solvents and heavy metals.metals.
Risk from heavy metals was almost twice as high as Risk from heavy metals was almost twice as high as solvents.solvents.
Highest risk compounds were mercury, cadmium, Highest risk compounds were mercury, cadmium, nickel, trichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride.nickel, trichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride.
““Our results suggest a potential association between Our results suggest a potential association between autism and estimated metal concentrations, and autism and estimated metal concentrations, and possibly solvents, in ambient air around the birth possibly solvents, in ambient air around the birth residence.”residence.”
2525
AGAINST THE THIMEROSAL AGAINST THE THIMEROSAL THEORY: MAJOR PLAYERSTHEORY: MAJOR PLAYERS
ELI LILLY & COELI LILLY & CO – Invented product, has license – Invented product, has license agreements until 2010; defendant in lawsuits.agreements until 2010; defendant in lawsuits.
MERCK, GLAXO, ETCMERCK, GLAXO, ETC – Vaccine makers, lawsuit – Vaccine makers, lawsuit defendants.defendants.
FDAFDA – “Asleep at the switch” - Failed to add Hg – “Asleep at the switch” - Failed to add Hg totals; no safety studies; poor lit review (missed totals; no safety studies; poor lit review (missed articles in own library); refusal to recall.articles in own library); refusal to recall.
CDCCDC – Conflict in promoting – Conflict in promoting and and monitoring monitoring vaccines; aggressive use of immunization vaccines; aggressive use of immunization schedule; secret analyses of embargoed schedule; secret analyses of embargoed government data; funding of questionable government data; funding of questionable studies; refusal to recommend Hg-free vaccines.studies; refusal to recommend Hg-free vaccines.
2626
AGAINST THE THIMEROSAL AGAINST THE THIMEROSAL THEORY: MAJOR POINTSTHEORY: MAJOR POINTS
No epidemic of autism (the Hidden Horde?).No epidemic of autism (the Hidden Horde?).
Hg levels in vaccines very low.Hg levels in vaccines very low.
Ethyl Hg “less toxic” than Methyl Hg (Pichichero, NIAID, Offit).Ethyl Hg “less toxic” than Methyl Hg (Pichichero, NIAID, Offit).
Autism not same as Hg poisoning (Nelson & Bauman).Autism not same as Hg poisoning (Nelson & Bauman).
Theory is motivated by greed, emotion, & revenge.Theory is motivated by greed, emotion, & revenge.
4-year CDC study of federal database shows little to no 4-year CDC study of federal database shows little to no neurological damage from Hg in childhood vaccines.neurological damage from Hg in childhood vaccines.
No “consistent” evidence of harm found in five major No “consistent” evidence of harm found in five major epidemiological studies: IOM.epidemiological studies: IOM.
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 2727
THIMEROSAL EXPOSURE & AUTISM RATES IN DENMARK 1981-2000
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 2828
VSDVSD
5 GENERATIONS5 GENERATIONS
2929
Generation “Zero”Generation “Zero”Nov-Dec 1999Nov-Dec 1999
Recently rediscovered. First run Recently rediscovered. First run of the numbers. Very high of the numbers. Very high relative risks for outcomes. relative risks for outcomes.
Autism RR = 7.6Autism RR = 7.6
UNPUBLISHED STUDY OBTAINED UNPUBLISHED STUDY OBTAINED THROUGH FOIATHROUGH FOIA
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 3030
VSD: Generation ZeroVSD: Generation Zero
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 3131
Generation 1 Generation 1 Verstraeten 2/2000 Verstraeten 2/2000
Verstraeten reruns numbers, risks Verstraeten reruns numbers, risks are lowerare lower..
Still, significant outcomes “just Still, significant outcomes “just won’t go away.”won’t go away.”
Autism RR = 2.48Autism RR = 2.48
UNPUBLISHED STUDY OBTAINED THROUGH UNPUBLISHED STUDY OBTAINED THROUGH FOIAFOIA
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 3232
““IT JUST WON’T GO AWAY”IT JUST WON’T GO AWAY”
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 3333
VSD Generation 1: AutismVSD Generation 1: Autism(Verstraeten – 2/2000)(Verstraeten – 2/2000)
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 3434
VSD Generation 2: AutismVSD Generation 2: Autism(Simpsonwood & ACIP 6/2000)(Simpsonwood & ACIP 6/2000)
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 3535
Generation 2: NDD’sGeneration 2: NDD’s (Simpsonwood & ACIP 6/2000)(Simpsonwood & ACIP 6/2000)
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 3636
Generation 2: Language Disorder Generation 2: Language Disorder (Simpsonwood & ACIP 6/2000)(Simpsonwood & ACIP 6/2000)
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 3737
VSD Generation 3: AutismVSD Generation 3: Autism(IOM Presentation 7/2001) (IOM Presentation 7/2001)
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 3838
Generation 4: AutismGeneration 4: Autism((PediatricsPediatrics Article, 11/2003) Article, 11/2003)
Vol. 112 No. 5 November Vol. 112 No. 5 November 2003,2003,
pp. 1039-1048pp. 1039-1048
“In no analyses were significant increased risks found for autismor attention-deficit disorder.”
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm
Autism Risks Across 5 GenerationsAutism Risks Across 5 GenerationsGEN 0 GEN 1 GEN 2 GEN 3 GEN 4 7.62
2.48
1.691.52
0.00
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 4040
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 4141
AVENUES OF AVENUES OF INVESTIGATION?INVESTIGATION?
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 4242
US SENATE ACTIONUS SENATE ACTION
Mike Enzi (R-WY) and H.E.L.P Committee Mike Enzi (R-WY) and H.E.L.P Committee investigatorsinvestigators
Joe Lieberman (D-CT) – Bill to open up Joe Lieberman (D-CT) – Bill to open up access to VSD – RECENT LETTER TO NIEHSaccess to VSD – RECENT LETTER TO NIEHS
Dodd (D-CT) and Santorum (R-PA) on Dodd (D-CT) and Santorum (R-PA) on record (Imus) in favor of inquestrecord (Imus) in favor of inquest
Chuck Hagel (R-NE) Bill to ban mercury in Chuck Hagel (R-NE) Bill to ban mercury in VaccinesVaccines
Combating Autism Act – Wait for 2007?Combating Autism Act – Wait for 2007?
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 4343
Letter from Sen. Lieberman et al to Letter from Sen. Lieberman et al to the NIEHS, RE: VSD Accessthe NIEHS, RE: VSD Access
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 4444
DATA SETS GO MISSINGDATA SETS GO MISSINGFederal law requires all publicly funded dataFederal law requires all publicly funded dataand datasets be properly maintained.and datasets be properly maintained.
A felony to deliberately lose or destroyA felony to deliberately lose or destroyrecords. records.
CDC official testified that some datasets “hadn’tCDC official testified that some datasets “hadn’tbeen archived in a standard manner,” and, “maybeen archived in a standard manner,” and, “maynot allow all the re-analyses that one might want tonot allow all the re-analyses that one might want todo, or in fact may not be available at all.”do, or in fact may not be available at all.”
IOM committee, citing federal Information QualityIOM committee, citing federal Information QualityAct, recommended that vaccine officials “seek legalAct, recommended that vaccine officials “seek legaladvice.”advice.”
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 4545
WHY DID IOM BASE ITS WHY DID IOM BASE ITS DECISION ON EPI STUDIES?DECISION ON EPI STUDIES?
Epidemiology “not acceptable” to disprove causation: Epidemiology “not acceptable” to disprove causation: Federal Court System. Federal Court System.
Epidemiological studies were questioned by lead Epidemiological studies were questioned by lead investigators themselves, ie--investigators themselves, ie--
Danish authorsDanish authors: exponential expansion of patients : exponential expansion of patients (inpatient-outpatient) “may have spuriously increased the (inpatient-outpatient) “may have spuriously increased the apparent number of autism cases.”apparent number of autism cases.”
VerstraetenVerstraeten: “We found no evidence against an : “We found no evidence against an association, as a negative study would. On the contrary, association, as a negative study would. On the contrary, additional study is recommended, which is the conclusion additional study is recommended, which is the conclusion to which a to which a neutral studyneutral study must come.” must come.”
IOM final reportIOM final report: “Cannot rule out, based on the : “Cannot rule out, based on the epidemiology, possibility that vaccines contribute to autism epidemiology, possibility that vaccines contribute to autism in some small subset.” in some small subset.”
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 4646
DID CDC EXERT UNDUE DID CDC EXERT UNDUE PRESSURE ON IOM?PRESSURE ON IOM?
Kathleen Stratton: “The line we will not Kathleen Stratton: “The line we will not cross in public policy is to pull the vaccine, cross in public policy is to pull the vaccine, change the schedule.”change the schedule.”
Gerald Medoff: “You just want us to say Gerald Medoff: “You just want us to say the evidence favors rejection of the the evidence favors rejection of the hypothesis?”hypothesis?”
McCormick: McCormick: ““Yes, that’s what they want to Yes, that’s what they want to say.” say.”
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 4747
STILL MORE IOM QUOTES STILL MORE IOM QUOTES Stratton: “There are pros and cons of letting them Stratton: “There are pros and cons of letting them
determine the topic– to be expedient, it is better that determine the topic– to be expedient, it is better that they determine it.”they determine it.”
Alfred Berg: “They are paying for it.” Alfred Berg: “They are paying for it.”
Stratton: “We can shape it a little. We have-- you Stratton: “We can shape it a little. We have-- you know, what are the boundaries. Does that make you know, what are the boundaries. Does that make you feel any better?” feel any better?”
Berg: “Now I am curious what other parts of the Berg: “Now I am curious what other parts of the methods CDC has figured out for us.”methods CDC has figured out for us.”
Berg: “CDC is one of the malefactors on this issue, Berg: “CDC is one of the malefactors on this issue, because they are always pushing to go beyond the because they are always pushing to go beyond the data and say yes,” vaccines are safe. data and say yes,” vaccines are safe.
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 4848
IOM CHANGES RULES OF IOM CHANGES RULES OF ENGAGEMENTENGAGEMENT
HALFWAY THROUGH HALFWAY THROUGH Went from looking at “biological Went from looking at “biological
plausibility” to “biological plausibility” to “biological mechanisms”mechanisms”
IOM said plausibility was “confusing”IOM said plausibility was “confusing” ButBut biological mechanisms of autism biological mechanisms of autism
are unknownare unknown
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 4949
5050
3-5 year olds - quarterly numbers are mixed3-5 year olds - quarterly numbers are mixed
QUARTERQUARTER Total # children Total # children Net gain Net gain Change Change 3-5 years old 3-5 years old (Avg. 143)(Avg. 143) net net
gain gain
1Q 20031Q 2003 4228 4228 189189 +81 +81 2Q 20032Q 2003 4466 4466 238238 +49 +49 3Q 20033Q 2003 4558 4558 9292 -146-146 4Q 20034Q 2003 4611 4611 5353 -39 -39
1Q 20041Q 2004 4793 4793 182182 +129+129 2Q 20042Q 2004 4894 4894 101101 -81 -81 3Q 20043Q 2004 4997 4997 103103 +2 +2 4Q 20044Q 2004 5156 5156 159159 +56 +56
1Q 20051Q 2005 5307 5307 151151 -8 -8 2Q 20052Q 2005 5446 5446 139139 -12 -12 3Q 20053Q 2005 5539 5539 93 93 -46 -46 4Q 20054Q 2005 5680 5680 141141 +48+48
1Q 20061Q 2006 5827 5827 147147 +6 +6 2Q 20062Q 2006 6083 6083 256256 +109 +109 3Q 20063Q 2006 6188 6188 105 105 -151-151
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 5151
NET GAINS BY 3D QUARTERNET GAINS BY 3D QUARTER
20032003 519519 20042004 386386 20052005 383383 20062006 508508
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 5252
Yearly trends for 3-5 year olds Yearly trends for 3-5 year olds
YearYear Net Gain Net Gain % % ChangeChange
ages 3-5ages 3-5
20032003 572572 n/an/a
20042004 545545 -4.72%-4.72%
20052005 524524 -3.85%-3.85%
2006 (3Q)2006 (3Q) 508+?508+? ????
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 5353
But the 2But the 2ndnd Quarter 2006 Quarter 2006is an Alarming Spikeis an Alarming Spike
Highest gains ever postedHighest gains ever posted Immigration spike?Immigration spike? Baby boomlet?Baby boomlet? Early intervention?Early intervention? Wildfires/pollution?Wildfires/pollution? Flu shot?Flu shot?
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 5454
Why the flu shot may matterWhy the flu shot may matter If a pregnant woman receives 25mcg, much of If a pregnant woman receives 25mcg, much of
that will end up in fetus.that will end up in fetus. A 1lb fetus (0.5kg) receiving 10mcg is 200 times A 1lb fetus (0.5kg) receiving 10mcg is 200 times
over EPA limit. over EPA limit. 0.25kg fetus receiving 20mcg is 0.25kg fetus receiving 20mcg is 800 times800 times over over
EPA.EPA. At 6 months, a 16lb baby receives 12.5mcg – 17 At 6 months, a 16lb baby receives 12.5mcg – 17
times over limit.times over limit. At 7 months, same baby receives 12.5 mcg.At 7 months, same baby receives 12.5 mcg. Other shots contain 5-10mcg in residual Hg.Other shots contain 5-10mcg in residual Hg. Total possible exposure by 7 mos: 55mcg. Total possible exposure by 7 mos: 55mcg.
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 5555
TRENDS IN WEIGHT ADJUSTED THIMEROSAL EXPOSURES TRENDS IN WEIGHT ADJUSTED THIMEROSAL EXPOSURES FROM CHILDHOOD VACCINES AND INFLUENZA VACCINES FROM CHILDHOOD VACCINES AND INFLUENZA VACCINES
DURING PREGNANCY AND EARLY INFANCYDURING PREGNANCY AND EARLY INFANCY
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Cumulative bolusmercury dosefrom vaccines through 24 months(mcg/kg)
Year of birth
From the childhood immunization schedule
From the influenza vaccine in utero/infancy
Exposure from continued TCV production and related inventory
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 5656
THE SCIENCE: THE SCIENCE:
SEARCH FOR A “CURE”SEARCH FOR A “CURE”
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 5757
MERCAPTANS AT WORKMERCAPTANS AT WORK
Two main chelating agentsTwo main chelating agents::DMSA: Di-DMSA: Di-MercaptoMercapto-Succinic Acid -Succinic Acid
IV, or more typically in children, orally.IV, or more typically in children, orally.Most commonly used.Most commonly used.““Safest?”Safest?”
DMPS: Di-DMPS: Di-MercaptoMercapto-Propane-Sulfonate -Propane-Sulfonate
Transdermal patch.Transdermal patch.Controversial and untested.Controversial and untested.Anecdotal evidence shows great potency.Anecdotal evidence shows great potency.““Miraculous” recoveries reported by parents and doctors.Miraculous” recoveries reported by parents and doctors.
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 5858
Porphyrins and Hg BurdenPorphyrins and Hg Burden Urine samples from 100s of French yielded “evidence for a Urine samples from 100s of French yielded “evidence for a
link between autism and heavy metals.”link between autism and heavy metals.”
Samples from ASD children had high levels of proteins Samples from ASD children had high levels of proteins called called porphyrins – porphyrins – used to produce of used to produce of haemhaem, the oxygen-, the oxygen-carrying component in haemoglobin. Heavy metals block carrying component in haemoglobin. Heavy metals block haem, causing porphyrins to accumulate in urine. haem, causing porphyrins to accumulate in urine. Coproporphyrin was 2.6 times higher in ASD children than Coproporphyrin was 2.6 times higher in ASD children than controls.controls.
Richard Lathe of Pieta Research in Edinburgh: “Highly likely Richard Lathe of Pieta Research in Edinburgh: “Highly likely heavy metals are responsible for childhood ASD in a heavy metals are responsible for childhood ASD in a majority of cases” -- majority of cases” -- Toxicology and Applied PharmacologyToxicology and Applied Pharmacology..
Lathe says porphyrin metabolites bind to receptors in the Lathe says porphyrin metabolites bind to receptors in the brain and have been linked with epilepsy and autism.brain and have been linked with epilepsy and autism.
Researchers restored porphyrin concentrations to normal in Researchers restored porphyrin concentrations to normal in 12 children through chelation. Waiting for clinical results, 12 children through chelation. Waiting for clinical results, but Lathe cites anecdotal reports suggesting the drugs but Lathe cites anecdotal reports suggesting the drugs might be helping.might be helping.
5959
JAMES: RebuildJAMES: RebuildMetabolic Profile? Metabolic Profile?
Methionine “metabolites” (methionine, Methionine “metabolites” (methionine, cysteine, glutathione) in 20 children with cysteine, glutathione) in 20 children with autism compared vs. controls revealed autism compared vs. controls revealed severely abnormal profiles.severely abnormal profiles.
Targeted nutritional intervention for three Targeted nutritional intervention for three weeks with Folinic acid, and Betaine (1000 weeks with Folinic acid, and Betaine (1000 mg. BID) resulted in significant improvement in mg. BID) resulted in significant improvement in methylation capacity in children with autism.methylation capacity in children with autism.
Addition of methyl B-12 to “cocktail” brought Addition of methyl B-12 to “cocktail” brought all autistic children within normal levels of all autistic children within normal levels of methionine, cysteine and glutathionemethionine, cysteine and glutathione
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 6060
METHYLATIONMETHYLATION Occurs billions of times a day within cellsOccurs billions of times a day within cells Transfer of a “methyl group” (1 carbon & 3 Transfer of a “methyl group” (1 carbon & 3
hydrogen atoms) from one molecule to another. hydrogen atoms) from one molecule to another. Why important? Every cell contains the same Why important? Every cell contains the same
DNA and can do same things. DNA and can do same things. Methyl groups shut down genes that aren’t Methyl groups shut down genes that aren’t
supposed to be active.supposed to be active. Methylation critical to normal DNA function and Methylation critical to normal DNA function and
gene expression.gene expression. Also needed for fatty acids for nerve development Also needed for fatty acids for nerve development
& myelin sheath. & myelin sheath. Essential for glutathione and thiol productionEssential for glutathione and thiol production Greatly impaired by thimerosal in test tube Greatly impaired by thimerosal in test tube
through inhibition of methionine synthasethrough inhibition of methionine synthase
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 6161
METHYLATION: NEEDED FOR METHIONINE CYCLE AND TRANSULFURATION PATHWAY
Evidence of HarmEvidence of Harm 6262
Thimerosal’s Legacy?Thimerosal’s Legacy?
Autism rarely reported outside industrialized countries until Autism rarely reported outside industrialized countries until recently.recently.
China: Merck and Glaxo-SmithKline have aggressive China: Merck and Glaxo-SmithKline have aggressive
pediatric marketing campaigns.pediatric marketing campaigns.
Xinhua: Autism suddenly skyrocketed from nearly nothing Xinhua: Autism suddenly skyrocketed from nearly nothing to 1.8 million in 2004. BETTER DIAGNOSIS?to 1.8 million in 2004. BETTER DIAGNOSIS?
20% growth rate, higher than world average of 14%.20% growth rate, higher than world average of 14%.
Other increases in Indonesia, Argentina, India and Nigeria.Other increases in Indonesia, Argentina, India and Nigeria.
What if the profitable export of our much vaunted medical What if the profitable export of our much vaunted medical technology has led to the poisoning of tens of thousands of technology has led to the poisoning of tens of thousands of children? children?