Methylmercury Warning

[Guest guest]

Methylmercury Warning

ScienceDaily (Oct. 30, 2008) †"

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081028103103.htm

Recent studies hint that exposure to the toxic chemicals, such as

methylmercury can cause harm at levels previously considered safe. A

new analysis of the epidemiological evidence in the International

Journal of Environment and Health, suggests that we should take a

precautionary approach to this and similar compounds to protect unborn

children from irreversible brain damage.

Philippe Grandjean of the Department of Environmental Health at

Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, and the University of

Southern Denmark in Odense, explains that the causes of suboptimal and

abnormal mental development are mostly unknown. However, severe

exposure to pollutants during the development of the growing fetus can

cause problems that become apparent as brain functions develop - and

ultimately decline - in later life. Critically, much smaller doses of

chemicals, such as the neurotoxic compound methylmercury, can harm the

developing brain to a much greater extent than the adult brain.

Methylmercury is a chemical compound formed in the environment from

released mercury. Unfortunately, the methylmercury can be transported

quickly around the body and may enter the brain. Serious problems will

ensue if important developmental processes are blocked as there will

be only one chance for the brain to develop.

The researchers point out that until recently research into the

effects of pollutants on the brain has been clouded by the lack of

information on actual exposure. Moreover, finding a direct link

between specific problems with the brain and exposure relies on

statistical, or epidemiological, analysis rather than case-by-case

understanding. The researchers say that neurodevelopmental disorders

of possible environmental origin affect between 5% and 10% of babies

born worldwide, leading to dyslexia, mental retardation, attention

deficit/hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, and autism.

The toxicity of methylmercury is well known, but the researchers

believe that the medical world has underestimated the risk of brain

damage associated with exposure to this compound as well as numerous

others. Professor Grandjean emphasizes that little research has been

carried out into the effects of other neurotoxic chemicals.

" Until there is enough evidence to rule out effects of certain

chemicals on the developing nervous system, a cautious approach would

involve strict regulation of suspected developmental neurotoxicants

and prudent counseling of expectant mothers regarding exposures to

untested substances, " the researchers conclude.

[Guest guest]

at autismlink.com posted:

ScienceDaily (Oct. 30, 2008) â€"http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081028103103.htm

Recent studies hint that exposure to the toxic chemicals, such asmethylmercury can cause harm at levels previously considered safe. Anew analysis of the epidemiological evidence in the InternationalJournal of Environment and Health, suggests that we should take aprecautionary approach to this and similar compounds to protect unbornchildren from irreversible brain damage.

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The study was done by Professor Philippe Grandjean, Harvard University and the University of Southern Denmark, considered the foremost scientific authority on the development of children's brains.....who.....in July, 2007, claimed the average human IQ is plummeting due to IQ points in the population being chemically destroyed via low level mercury exposure in children.

Apparently, Dr. Grandjean hasn't learned much in the year since he made that stunning observation.

Dr. Grandjean's "new" observations are:

"The causes of suboptimal and abnormal mental development are (remain) mostly unknown.

However, severe exposure to pollutants during the development of the growing fetus cancause problems that become apparent as brain functions develop - andultimately decline - in later life. Critically, much smaller doses ofchemicals, such as the neurotoxic compound methylmercury, can harm thedeveloping brain to a much greater extent than the adult brain."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------I would have far more respect for Dr. Grandjean's "observations" if he had "ruled out" ethylmercury in childhood vaccines and recommended for pregnant women and babies as a possible:

"severe exposure to pollutants during the development of the growing fetus (that) cancause problems that become apparent as brain functions develop - andultimately decline - in later life".

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How long am I, an "uneducated" grandpa, going to wait before this esteemed "expert" rules out ethlymercury in flu vaccines.... recommended for pregnant women and babies...as a "pollutant" that can "cause problems...as the brain develops"?"

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