An epidemiological analysis of the ‘autism as mercury poisoning’ hypothesis

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An epidemiological analysis of the ‘autism as mercury poisoning’ hypothesis

Austin^1

Volume 20, Number 3 / 2008 Pages 135-142

http://iospress.metapress.com/content/133622276585h1t0/?p=fa206c6a376d481989c586\

8d1cd8c409 & pi=2

Abstract

Where direct experimental research into a causal hypothesis of a disease

is impossible due to ethical and practical considerations,

epidemiological inference is the accepted route to establishing cause.

Therefore, to examine the autism as mercury poisoning hypothesis, this

paper reviews the existing scientific literature within the context of

established epidemiological criteria and finds that the evidence for a

causal relationship is compelling. Exposure to mercury (via vaccines and

maternal dental amalgam) in utero and during infant years is confirmed;

mercury poisoning is known to cause symptoms consistent with autism;

animal modeling supports the link and, critically, mercury levels are

higher in both the urine and blood of autistic children than in

non-autistic peers. Analogous to epidemiological evidence of the

smoking–lung cancer relationship, a mercury–autism relationship is

confirmed. The precautionary principle demands that health professionals

not take an action if there is suspicion that the action may cause

severe or lifelong health effects: it does not require certainty.

Therefore, given the severity, devastating lifelong impact and extremely

high prevalence of autism, it would be negligent to continue to expose

pregnant and nursing mothers and infant children to any amount of

avoidable mercury.

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^1 Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology,

Melbourne, Australia