Guest guest Posted June 19, 2000 Report Share Posted June 19, 2000 Yeah, Thimerosal is safe and necessary for vaccine production, but we need to get it out of the vaccines as soon as possible. WTF? >From: Shelby <helminger@...> >Reply-Vaccinationsegroups >Vaccinationsegroups >Subject: Re: thimerosal >Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 22:42:33 -0400 > >What an amazing accomplishment in doublespeak! The objective must be to >just >confuse people into submission. >S. > >Sheri Nakken wrote: > > > This was from CDC last JULY, > > > > > > National Immunization Program > > Thimerosal and Vaccine > > Questions/Answers > > > > July 15, 1999 > > > > Q 1. What is Thimerosal? > > > > A. Thimerosal is a very effective preservative that contains mercury and > > has been used in some vaccines and other products since the 1930s. > > Thimerosal is the most widely used preservative in vaccines. The FDA > > estimates that it is used in more than 30 licensed vaccines and > > biologics. Mercury is excreted from the body over time. > > > > Q 2. Why is Thimerosal used in vaccines? > > > > A. Thimerosal is used as an extra safeguard against contamination. It > > may be used during processing or added to the final container to prevent > > contamination when multi-dose vials are opened. Before Thimerosal was > > marketed in the United States, a number of safety studies were > > conducted, first on animals and then on humans. > > > > Thimerosal is an important preservative that protects vaccine against > > bacterial contamination. It is very effective in killing bacteria used > > in several vaccines and in preventing bacterial contamination, > > particularly in opened multi-dose containers. Some but not all of the > > vaccines recommended routinely for children in the United States contain > > thimerosal. Disease outbreaks have occurred following contamination of > > multi-dose vaccine vials in the United States and from other countries. > > For example, in April, 1995, three infants died in India from toxic > > shock syndrome after administration of contaminated measles vaccine at > > one health center. > > > > Q3. Can all vaccines be made Thimerosal-free, or within accepted > > guidelines? If so, how quickly? > > > > A. All vaccines either do not contain thimerosal or contain thimerosal > > within FDA guidelines. To further increase the margin of safety that > > already exists, clinicians can use the inherent flexibility in the > > current immunization schedule to fully vaccinate children and meet even > > the most conservative guidelines for cumulative mercury exposure. > > > > Clinicians and parents can take advantage of the flexibility within the > > existing schedule for infants born to Hepatitis B surface antigen > > (HbsAg)-negative women to postpone the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine > > from birth until two to six months of age when the infant is > > considerably larger. Pre-term infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers > > should similarly receive hepatitis B vaccine, but ideally not until they > > reach term gestational age and a weight of at least 2.5 kilograms. > > Because of the substantial risk of disease, there is no change in the > > recommendations for infants of HbsAg-positive mothers or of mothers > > whose status is not known. Also, in populations where HbsAg screening of > > pregnant women is not routinely performed, vaccination of all infants at > > birth should be maintained, as is currently recommended. Public Health > > Service agencies are working with private physician groups and vaccine > > manufacturers to expedite the process to reduce or eliminate thimerosal > > from vaccines used in the United States. > > > > Q4. What could happen if parents ignored recommendations to use > > thimerosal-containing vaccines during this transition period? > > > > A. Children would be at very real risk from illnesses that can be > > prevented with safe and effective vaccinations. High rates of > > vaccination led to declines of 95% to 100% in the occurrence of vaccine > > preventable diseases in the United States. Despite this, the pathogens > > responsible for most vaccine preventable diseases still circulate and > > rates of disease would increase if vaccine coverage dropped. For > > example, if vaccination coverage among infants dropped from 95% to 70%, > > an additional 2,500 cases of pertussis would be expected to occur. > > Moreover, the risk of death from pertussis is greatest in young > > children. A second severe vaccine preventable disease among young > > children is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Before vaccine was > > introduced, this pathogen was the leading cause of meningitis and other > > severe invasive infections among children; now cases of invasive Hib > > disease have virtually disappeared. If vaccination for Hib declined to > > 70%, 2,000 excess cases would occur with 1,200 cases of meningitis, > > resulting in about 100 deaths and 180 children who would suffer mental > > retardation and hearing loss. > > > > Q5. Why isn’t the federal government just recommending not using > > vaccines with thimerosal in them if there is concern? > > > > A. Making vaccines safer and more effective is a constant goal for the > > federal government; and, that is the purpose of the action we’re taking > > now. There is a significant safety margin incorporated into all > > acceptable mercury exposure limits. Furthermore, there are no data or > > evidence of any harm caused by the level of exposure that some children > > may have encountered in following the existing immunization schedule. > > Today, we’re discussing a minimal, if any, risk from minute levels of > > mercury-containing thimerosal versus the large and devastating risk of > > childhood diseases like bacterial meningitis and whooping cough if > > parents and physicians abandon vaccination during this transition > > period. Any missed vaccinations puts children at risk from disease. > > > > Q6. How much mercury did my 6-month-old get in the last six months from > > vaccines? How dangerous is that? > > > > A. Each dose of vaccine given your child met FDA requirements and should > > not be a concern to you now--your choice to vaccinate your baby was a > > sound one. The mercury levels being discussed are well within the safety > > margins; however, we are working toward further increasing the margin of > > safety that already exists. It is important that we limit the cumulative > > amount of mercury children are exposed to, but parents should not > > abandon vaccination as a means to do that. > > > > Q7. If there are vaccines that are mercury-free, why shouldn't I just > > ask for those? > > > > A. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on > > Immunization Practices for CDC and the Surgeon General all recommend > > that parents do not let their child miss a vaccination when safe and > > effective vaccines are available. Today, we are discussing a minimal, if > > any, risk from cumulative levels of mercury from some vaccines versus > > the large and devastating risk of childhood diseases like bacterial > > meningitis and whooping cough if parents and physicians abandon > > vaccination during this transition period. > > > > Clinicians and parents can take advantage of the flexibility within the > > existing schedule for infants born to Hepatitis B surface antigen > > (HbsAg)-negative women to postpone the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine > > from birth until two to six months of age when the infant is > > considerably larger. Pre-term infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers > > should similarly receive hepatitis B vaccine, but ideally not until they > > reach term gestational age and a weight of at least 2.5 kilograms. > > Because of the substantial risk of disease, there is no change in the > > recommendations for infants of HbsAg-positive mothers or of mothers > > whose status is not known. Also, in populations where HbsAg screening of > > pregnant women is not routinely performed, vaccination of all infants at > > birth should be maintained, as is currently recommended. Public Health > > Service agencies are working with private physician groups and vaccine > > manufacturers to expedite the process to reduce or eliminate thimerosal > > from vaccines used in the United States. > > > > The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on > > Immunization Practices for CDC and the U.S. Surgeon General want parents > > to be fully informed about children’s vaccines and if you have questions > > or concerns, we encourage you to speak to your child’s trusted health > > care provider. > > > > Q8. I’ve heard that children may be getting toxic levels of mercury from > > vaccines. Is that true? > > > > A. Everyone is exposed to mercury, even in some foods and household > > products. As part of an ongoing assessment of mercury in the environment > > and in products, many agencies have developed guidelines for acceptable > > levels of mercury--levels many times below any amount known to cause > > harm. Some children, depending on which vaccines they receive and the > > timing of those vaccines, are exposed to cumulative levels of mercury > > close to the safety ranges of guidelines. To further increase this > > margin of safety, clinicians and parents can take advantage of the > > flexibility within the existing immunization schedule. It’s important to > > understand that these highest acceptable levels include a " safety > > cushion " to take into account all the variables that people face in > > their exposures to mercury. No children are getting toxic levels of > > mercury from vaccines. > > > > Q9. Are there vaccines available to prevent childhood diseases without > > exposing them to mercury? > > > > A. Yes, although you may discover that these vaccines are not > > immediately available from your health care provider. The American > > Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices > > for CDC and the Surgeon General all recommend that parents do not let > > their child miss a vaccination when safe and effective vaccines are > > available. Today, we have a minimal, if any, risk from minute levels of > > mercury-containing thimerosal in some vaccines versus the large and > > devastating risk of childhood diseases like bacterial meningitis and > > whooping cough if parents and physicians abandon vaccination during this > > transition period. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory > > Committee on Immunization Practices for CDC and the U.S. Surgeon General > > want parents to be fully informed about children’s vaccines and if you > > have questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak to your child’s > > trusted health care provider. > > > > Q10. Why are the Public Health Service and AAP making these > > recommendations now? > > > > A. Although mercury is found in the environment, in food and in > > household products, exposure to mercury is of concern and, when > > possible, should be avoided. The Public Health Service agencies, the > > American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agree that > > thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines to make already > > safety vaccines even safer and to allow for new vaccines to be added to > > the schedule in the future. Some children, depending on which vaccines > > they receive and the timing of those vaccines, are exposed to cumulative > > levels of mercury close to the safety ranges of guidelines. The mercury > > levels being discussed are within the safety margins; however, we are > > working toward further increasing the margin of safety that already > > exists. It is important that we limit the cumulative amount of mercury > > children are exposed to, but parents should not abandon vaccination as a > > means to do that. > > > > Q11. Why are chemicals and other substances added to vaccines? > > > > A. Many things in today's world, including foods and medicines, have > > chemicals added to them to prevent the growth of germs and reduce > > spoilage. Chemicals are added to vaccines for similar reasons, to > > inactivate a virus or bacteria and to stabilize it, helping to preserve > > the vaccine and prevent it from losing its potency over time. > > > > Some additives are used in the production of vaccines. Vaccines may > > include suspending fluid (e.g., sterile water, saline, or fluids > > containing protein); preservatives and stabilizers (e.g., albumin, > > phenols, and glycine); and adjuvants or enhancers that help the vaccine > > improve its immunogenicity (ability to protect against disease). > > > > Q12. I understand some people are sensitive to thimerosal and must avoid > > it. Do they have problems with thimerosal-containing vaccines? > > > > A. Most patients do not develop reactions to thimerosal given as a > > component of vaccines even when they’ve had a patch or intradermal tests > > for thimerosal that indicated hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity to > > thimerosal usually consists of local, delayed reactions. > > > > Q13. How can I find out what chemical additives are in specific > > vaccines? > > > > A. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for a copy of the vaccine > > package insert. The package insert lists ingredients in the vaccine and > > discusses any known adverse reactions. > > > > Q14. What is mercury? > > > > A. Mercury is a metal, a chemical element found everywhere. As such, it > > is neither created, nor destroyed -- the same amount of mercury has > > existed since the earth was formed. > > > > Two major forms of mercury exist in nature, an inorganic form (the > > mercury used in thermometers) and the organic form. Humans and wildlife > > are exposed to both, but the metallic mercury is quickly released from > > the body. The organic form tends to accumulate in humans, and > > particularly in large predator fish. Humans are usually exposed to > > organic mercury from eating fish which have accumulated it in their > > muscle tissue. Very high levels of mercury are toxic. Because mercury is > > everywhere, it is not possible to prevent all exposure to mercury. > > Federal agencies, including the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease > > Registries and the Food Administration have established guidelines for > > levels of mercury exposure considered safe. In addition, uses and > > releases of mercury have been reduced very substantially in recent > > decades in the U.S. and most other industrialized countries. > > > > Q15. Who is most vulnerable to mercury? > > > > A. Two groups are most vulnerable to methyl mercury: the fetus and > > pregnant women. Premature babies are more vulnerable because they tend > > to be very small and their brain is not as developed as a full term > > baby. Children may be at higher risk of mercury exposure than are adults > > because they eat more per pound of body weight and because they may be > > inherently more sensitive than adults since their nervous systems are > > still developing. The guidelines for mercury exposure are based on > > amount of mercury per weight. This helps estimate reference level of > > exposure according to the person's weight. > > > > Q16: What is the ATSDR level for mercury exposure? > > > > A: The minimal risk level, or MRL, is 0.3 micrograms per kilograms of > > body weight per day (ug/kg/d) for ingestion of methylmercury. Mercury > > occurs in the environment in several forms: elemental, inorganic and > > organic mercury. Methylmercury is the most common form of organic > > mercury. People can be exposed to methylmercury by eating fish or > > shellfish that come from mercury-contaminated waters. > > > > MRLs are health guidance values established by ATSDR and are intended > > for use by health assessors as screening tools when determining whether > > further evaluation of potential human exposure at hazardous waste sites > > is warranted. They are not intended for use in determining clean-up > > levels or for other regulatory purposes. > > > > Q17: Why is this level different from EPA’s? > > > > A: Both agencies recognize Mercury as a neurotoxicant, a toxin which > > affects the nervous system of humans. Further, both agencies recognize > > that fetuses and women of reproductive age are among the groups at high > > risk from Mercury exposure. And, both agencies agree on the Minimal Risk > > Levels for exposure to two of the three forms of Mercury–Elemental > > Mercury by inhalation, and Inorganic Mercury by oral means. The agencies > > do differ in the MRL for Methyl Mercury (Organic Mercury). > > > > The difference between the two agencies is extremely small. In the > > Toxicological Profile for Mercury, ATSDR uses exposure to 0.3 micrograms > > per kilogram of body weight per day as the Minimal Risk Level (the level > > at which scientists would not expect to see any adverse health effects, > > but at which they would see the need for additional investigation). EPA > > considers the level to be 0.1 micrograms/kilogram/day. A microgram is > > one millionth of a gram. A gram is 0.035 ounce. > > > > Q18: What is the safety margin built into this level? > > > > The ATSDR value (mrl of 03 mcg/kg/d) has a significant safety margin > > built into it. The value is approximately ten times below the highest > > exposure levels found in participants in the Seyschelles Study (a recent > > study evaluating individuals who were exposed to methyl mercury). Even > > at the highest exposure levels recorded in the Seyschelles Study, no > > participants experienced adverse health effects. > > > > Q19: What happens if your exposure exceeds the recomended levels? > > > > A: The nervous system is very sensitive to all forms of mercury. > > Methylmercury and metal vapors are more harmful than other forms, > > because more mercury in these forms reaches the brain. Exposure to high > > levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage > > the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning > > may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or > > hearing, and memory problems. > > > > Short-term exposure to high levels of metallic mercury vapors may cause > > effects including lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increases in > > blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes, and eye irritation. > > > > Q20: How can mercury affect children? > > > > A: Very young children are more sensitive to mercury than adults. > > Mercury in the mother's body passes to the fetus and can pass to a > > nursing infant through breast milk. However, the benefits of breast > > feeding may be greater than the possible adverse effects of mercury in > > breast milk. > > > > Mercury's harmful effects that may be passed from the mother to the > > developing fetus include brain damage, mental retardation, and lack of > > coordination, blindness, seizures, and an inability to speak. Children > > poisoned by mercury may develop problems of their nervous and digestive > > systems and kidney damage. > > > > Q21. Which population groups have the highest levels of mercury? > > > > A. Groups that tend to have higher exposure include subsistence and > > frequent recreational fishers, people of Asian origin, and some Native > > American groups. The typical U.S. consumer eating fish from restaurants > > and grocery stores are not in danger of consuming harmful levels of > > mercury from fish and are not advised to limit fish consumption. > > Everyone is exposed to mercury, even in some foods and household > > products. > > > > Q22. How can parents learn more about children’s immunizations? > > > > A. To learn more about children's immunizations, vaccinations, or baby > > shots from a CDC information specialist, please call CDC’s National > > Immunization Information Hotline: 1-800-232-2522, for English, > > 1-800-232-0233, for Spanish. > > > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > ---- > > > > This page last reviewed July 15, 1999. > > > > Centers for Disease Control and Prevention > > National Immunization Program > > > > -------------------------------------------------------- > > Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA > > ANY INFO OBTAINED HERE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS > > MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION TO > > VACCINATE IS YOURS AND YOURS ALONE. > > > > Well Within's Earth Mysteries & Sacred Site Tours > > http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin > > Bookstore - http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin/bookstor.htm > > International Tours, Homestudy Courses, ANTHRAX & OTHER Vaccine Dangers > > Education, Homeopathic Education > > KVMR Broadcaster/Programmer/Investigative Reporter, Nevada City CA > > CEU's for nurses, Books & Multi-Pure Water Filters > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here: > > 1/5533/7/_/489317/_/961450377/ > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2000 Report Share Posted June 19, 2000 What an amazing accomplishment in doublespeak! The objective must be to just confuse people into submission. S. Sheri Nakken wrote: > This was from CDC last JULY, > > > National Immunization Program > Thimerosal and Vaccine > Questions/Answers > > July 15, 1999 > > Q 1. What is Thimerosal? > > A. Thimerosal is a very effective preservative that contains mercury and > has been used in some vaccines and other products since the 1930s. > Thimerosal is the most widely used preservative in vaccines. The FDA > estimates that it is used in more than 30 licensed vaccines and > biologics. Mercury is excreted from the body over time. > > Q 2. Why is Thimerosal used in vaccines? > > A. Thimerosal is used as an extra safeguard against contamination. It > may be used during processing or added to the final container to prevent > contamination when multi-dose vials are opened. Before Thimerosal was > marketed in the United States, a number of safety studies were > conducted, first on animals and then on humans. > > Thimerosal is an important preservative that protects vaccine against > bacterial contamination. It is very effective in killing bacteria used > in several vaccines and in preventing bacterial contamination, > particularly in opened multi-dose containers. Some but not all of the > vaccines recommended routinely for children in the United States contain > thimerosal. Disease outbreaks have occurred following contamination of > multi-dose vaccine vials in the United States and from other countries. > For example, in April, 1995, three infants died in India from toxic > shock syndrome after administration of contaminated measles vaccine at > one health center. > > Q3. Can all vaccines be made Thimerosal-free, or within accepted > guidelines? If so, how quickly? > > A. All vaccines either do not contain thimerosal or contain thimerosal > within FDA guidelines. To further increase the margin of safety that > already exists, clinicians can use the inherent flexibility in the > current immunization schedule to fully vaccinate children and meet even > the most conservative guidelines for cumulative mercury exposure. > > Clinicians and parents can take advantage of the flexibility within the > existing schedule for infants born to Hepatitis B surface antigen > (HbsAg)-negative women to postpone the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine > from birth until two to six months of age when the infant is > considerably larger. Pre-term infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers > should similarly receive hepatitis B vaccine, but ideally not until they > reach term gestational age and a weight of at least 2.5 kilograms. > Because of the substantial risk of disease, there is no change in the > recommendations for infants of HbsAg-positive mothers or of mothers > whose status is not known. Also, in populations where HbsAg screening of > pregnant women is not routinely performed, vaccination of all infants at > birth should be maintained, as is currently recommended. Public Health > Service agencies are working with private physician groups and vaccine > manufacturers to expedite the process to reduce or eliminate thimerosal > from vaccines used in the United States. > > Q4. What could happen if parents ignored recommendations to use > thimerosal-containing vaccines during this transition period? > > A. Children would be at very real risk from illnesses that can be > prevented with safe and effective vaccinations. High rates of > vaccination led to declines of 95% to 100% in the occurrence of vaccine > preventable diseases in the United States. Despite this, the pathogens > responsible for most vaccine preventable diseases still circulate and > rates of disease would increase if vaccine coverage dropped. For > example, if vaccination coverage among infants dropped from 95% to 70%, > an additional 2,500 cases of pertussis would be expected to occur. > Moreover, the risk of death from pertussis is greatest in young > children. A second severe vaccine preventable disease among young > children is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Before vaccine was > introduced, this pathogen was the leading cause of meningitis and other > severe invasive infections among children; now cases of invasive Hib > disease have virtually disappeared. If vaccination for Hib declined to > 70%, 2,000 excess cases would occur with 1,200 cases of meningitis, > resulting in about 100 deaths and 180 children who would suffer mental > retardation and hearing loss. > > Q5. Why isn’t the federal government just recommending not using > vaccines with thimerosal in them if there is concern? > > A. Making vaccines safer and more effective is a constant goal for the > federal government; and, that is the purpose of the action we’re taking > now. There is a significant safety margin incorporated into all > acceptable mercury exposure limits. Furthermore, there are no data or > evidence of any harm caused by the level of exposure that some children > may have encountered in following the existing immunization schedule. > Today, we’re discussing a minimal, if any, risk from minute levels of > mercury-containing thimerosal versus the large and devastating risk of > childhood diseases like bacterial meningitis and whooping cough if > parents and physicians abandon vaccination during this transition > period. Any missed vaccinations puts children at risk from disease. > > Q6. How much mercury did my 6-month-old get in the last six months from > vaccines? How dangerous is that? > > A. Each dose of vaccine given your child met FDA requirements and should > not be a concern to you now--your choice to vaccinate your baby was a > sound one. The mercury levels being discussed are well within the safety > margins; however, we are working toward further increasing the margin of > safety that already exists. It is important that we limit the cumulative > amount of mercury children are exposed to, but parents should not > abandon vaccination as a means to do that. > > Q7. If there are vaccines that are mercury-free, why shouldn't I just > ask for those? > > A. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on > Immunization Practices for CDC and the Surgeon General all recommend > that parents do not let their child miss a vaccination when safe and > effective vaccines are available. Today, we are discussing a minimal, if > any, risk from cumulative levels of mercury from some vaccines versus > the large and devastating risk of childhood diseases like bacterial > meningitis and whooping cough if parents and physicians abandon > vaccination during this transition period. > > Clinicians and parents can take advantage of the flexibility within the > existing schedule for infants born to Hepatitis B surface antigen > (HbsAg)-negative women to postpone the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine > from birth until two to six months of age when the infant is > considerably larger. Pre-term infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers > should similarly receive hepatitis B vaccine, but ideally not until they > reach term gestational age and a weight of at least 2.5 kilograms. > Because of the substantial risk of disease, there is no change in the > recommendations for infants of HbsAg-positive mothers or of mothers > whose status is not known. Also, in populations where HbsAg screening of > pregnant women is not routinely performed, vaccination of all infants at > birth should be maintained, as is currently recommended. Public Health > Service agencies are working with private physician groups and vaccine > manufacturers to expedite the process to reduce or eliminate thimerosal > from vaccines used in the United States. > > The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on > Immunization Practices for CDC and the U.S. Surgeon General want parents > to be fully informed about children’s vaccines and if you have questions > or concerns, we encourage you to speak to your child’s trusted health > care provider. > > Q8. I’ve heard that children may be getting toxic levels of mercury from > vaccines. Is that true? > > A. Everyone is exposed to mercury, even in some foods and household > products. As part of an ongoing assessment of mercury in the environment > and in products, many agencies have developed guidelines for acceptable > levels of mercury--levels many times below any amount known to cause > harm. Some children, depending on which vaccines they receive and the > timing of those vaccines, are exposed to cumulative levels of mercury > close to the safety ranges of guidelines. To further increase this > margin of safety, clinicians and parents can take advantage of the > flexibility within the existing immunization schedule. It’s important to > understand that these highest acceptable levels include a " safety > cushion " to take into account all the variables that people face in > their exposures to mercury. No children are getting toxic levels of > mercury from vaccines. > > Q9. Are there vaccines available to prevent childhood diseases without > exposing them to mercury? > > A. Yes, although you may discover that these vaccines are not > immediately available from your health care provider. The American > Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices > for CDC and the Surgeon General all recommend that parents do not let > their child miss a vaccination when safe and effective vaccines are > available. Today, we have a minimal, if any, risk from minute levels of > mercury-containing thimerosal in some vaccines versus the large and > devastating risk of childhood diseases like bacterial meningitis and > whooping cough if parents and physicians abandon vaccination during this > transition period. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory > Committee on Immunization Practices for CDC and the U.S. Surgeon General > want parents to be fully informed about children’s vaccines and if you > have questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak to your child’s > trusted health care provider. > > Q10. Why are the Public Health Service and AAP making these > recommendations now? > > A. Although mercury is found in the environment, in food and in > household products, exposure to mercury is of concern and, when > possible, should be avoided. The Public Health Service agencies, the > American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agree that > thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines to make already > safety vaccines even safer and to allow for new vaccines to be added to > the schedule in the future. Some children, depending on which vaccines > they receive and the timing of those vaccines, are exposed to cumulative > levels of mercury close to the safety ranges of guidelines. The mercury > levels being discussed are within the safety margins; however, we are > working toward further increasing the margin of safety that already > exists. It is important that we limit the cumulative amount of mercury > children are exposed to, but parents should not abandon vaccination as a > means to do that. > > Q11. Why are chemicals and other substances added to vaccines? > > A. Many things in today's world, including foods and medicines, have > chemicals added to them to prevent the growth of germs and reduce > spoilage. Chemicals are added to vaccines for similar reasons, to > inactivate a virus or bacteria and to stabilize it, helping to preserve > the vaccine and prevent it from losing its potency over time. > > Some additives are used in the production of vaccines. Vaccines may > include suspending fluid (e.g., sterile water, saline, or fluids > containing protein); preservatives and stabilizers (e.g., albumin, > phenols, and glycine); and adjuvants or enhancers that help the vaccine > improve its immunogenicity (ability to protect against disease). > > Q12. I understand some people are sensitive to thimerosal and must avoid > it. Do they have problems with thimerosal-containing vaccines? > > A. Most patients do not develop reactions to thimerosal given as a > component of vaccines even when they’ve had a patch or intradermal tests > for thimerosal that indicated hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity to > thimerosal usually consists of local, delayed reactions. > > Q13. How can I find out what chemical additives are in specific > vaccines? > > A. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for a copy of the vaccine > package insert. The package insert lists ingredients in the vaccine and > discusses any known adverse reactions. > > Q14. What is mercury? > > A. Mercury is a metal, a chemical element found everywhere. As such, it > is neither created, nor destroyed -- the same amount of mercury has > existed since the earth was formed. > > Two major forms of mercury exist in nature, an inorganic form (the > mercury used in thermometers) and the organic form. Humans and wildlife > are exposed to both, but the metallic mercury is quickly released from > the body. The organic form tends to accumulate in humans, and > particularly in large predator fish. Humans are usually exposed to > organic mercury from eating fish which have accumulated it in their > muscle tissue. Very high levels of mercury are toxic. Because mercury is > everywhere, it is not possible to prevent all exposure to mercury. > Federal agencies, including the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease > Registries and the Food Administration have established guidelines for > levels of mercury exposure considered safe. In addition, uses and > releases of mercury have been reduced very substantially in recent > decades in the U.S. and most other industrialized countries. > > Q15. Who is most vulnerable to mercury? > > A. Two groups are most vulnerable to methyl mercury: the fetus and > pregnant women. Premature babies are more vulnerable because they tend > to be very small and their brain is not as developed as a full term > baby. Children may be at higher risk of mercury exposure than are adults > because they eat more per pound of body weight and because they may be > inherently more sensitive than adults since their nervous systems are > still developing. The guidelines for mercury exposure are based on > amount of mercury per weight. This helps estimate reference level of > exposure according to the person's weight. > > Q16: What is the ATSDR level for mercury exposure? > > A: The minimal risk level, or MRL, is 0.3 micrograms per kilograms of > body weight per day (ug/kg/d) for ingestion of methylmercury. Mercury > occurs in the environment in several forms: elemental, inorganic and > organic mercury. Methylmercury is the most common form of organic > mercury. People can be exposed to methylmercury by eating fish or > shellfish that come from mercury-contaminated waters. > > MRLs are health guidance values established by ATSDR and are intended > for use by health assessors as screening tools when determining whether > further evaluation of potential human exposure at hazardous waste sites > is warranted. They are not intended for use in determining clean-up > levels or for other regulatory purposes. > > Q17: Why is this level different from EPA’s? > > A: Both agencies recognize Mercury as a neurotoxicant, a toxin which > affects the nervous system of humans. Further, both agencies recognize > that fetuses and women of reproductive age are among the groups at high > risk from Mercury exposure. And, both agencies agree on the Minimal Risk > Levels for exposure to two of the three forms of Mercury–Elemental > Mercury by inhalation, and Inorganic Mercury by oral means. The agencies > do differ in the MRL for Methyl Mercury (Organic Mercury). > > The difference between the two agencies is extremely small. In the > Toxicological Profile for Mercury, ATSDR uses exposure to 0.3 micrograms > per kilogram of body weight per day as the Minimal Risk Level (the level > at which scientists would not expect to see any adverse health effects, > but at which they would see the need for additional investigation). EPA > considers the level to be 0.1 micrograms/kilogram/day. A microgram is > one millionth of a gram. A gram is 0.035 ounce. > > Q18: What is the safety margin built into this level? > > The ATSDR value (mrl of 03 mcg/kg/d) has a significant safety margin > built into it. The value is approximately ten times below the highest > exposure levels found in participants in the Seyschelles Study (a recent > study evaluating individuals who were exposed to methyl mercury). Even > at the highest exposure levels recorded in the Seyschelles Study, no > participants experienced adverse health effects. > > Q19: What happens if your exposure exceeds the recomended levels? > > A: The nervous system is very sensitive to all forms of mercury. > Methylmercury and metal vapors are more harmful than other forms, > because more mercury in these forms reaches the brain. Exposure to high > levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage > the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning > may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or > hearing, and memory problems. > > Short-term exposure to high levels of metallic mercury vapors may cause > effects including lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increases in > blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes, and eye irritation. > > Q20: How can mercury affect children? > > A: Very young children are more sensitive to mercury than adults. > Mercury in the mother's body passes to the fetus and can pass to a > nursing infant through breast milk. However, the benefits of breast > feeding may be greater than the possible adverse effects of mercury in > breast milk. > > Mercury's harmful effects that may be passed from the mother to the > developing fetus include brain damage, mental retardation, and lack of > coordination, blindness, seizures, and an inability to speak. Children > poisoned by mercury may develop problems of their nervous and digestive > systems and kidney damage. > > Q21. Which population groups have the highest levels of mercury? > > A. Groups that tend to have higher exposure include subsistence and > frequent recreational fishers, people of Asian origin, and some Native > American groups. The typical U.S. consumer eating fish from restaurants > and grocery stores are not in danger of consuming harmful levels of > mercury from fish and are not advised to limit fish consumption. > Everyone is exposed to mercury, even in some foods and household > products. > > Q22. How can parents learn more about children’s immunizations? > > A. To learn more about children's immunizations, vaccinations, or baby > shots from a CDC information specialist, please call CDC’s National > Immunization Information Hotline: 1-800-232-2522, for English, > 1-800-232-0233, for Spanish. > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > ---- > > This page last reviewed July 15, 1999. > > Centers for Disease Control and Prevention > National Immunization Program > > -------------------------------------------------------- > Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA > ANY INFO OBTAINED HERE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS > MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION TO > VACCINATE IS YOURS AND YOURS ALONE. > > Well Within's Earth Mysteries & Sacred Site Tours > http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin > Bookstore - http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin/bookstor.htm > International Tours, Homestudy Courses, ANTHRAX & OTHER Vaccine Dangers > Education, Homeopathic Education > KVMR Broadcaster/Programmer/Investigative Reporter, Nevada City CA > CEU's for nurses, Books & Multi-Pure Water Filters > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here: > 1/5533/7/_/489317/_/961450377/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2000 Report Share Posted June 19, 2000 At 10:42 PM 06/19/2000 -0400, you wrote: >What an amazing accomplishment in doublespeak! The objective must be to just >confuse people into submission. >S. > Yes, I thought so too! Just like '1984' Sheri -------------------------------------------------------- Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA ANY INFO OBTAINED HERE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION TO VACCINATE IS YOURS AND YOURS ALONE. Well Within's Earth Mysteries & Sacred Site Tours http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin Bookstore - http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin/bookstor.htm International Tours, Homestudy Courses, ANTHRAX & OTHER Vaccine Dangers Education, Homeopathic Education KVMR Broadcaster/Programmer/Investigative Reporter, Nevada City CA CEU's for nurses, Books & Multi-Pure Water Filters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 19, 2000 Report Share Posted June 19, 2000 That's about as nice as my FIL telling me that he was sure that vaccines only had ACCEPTABLE amounts of mercury and formaldehyde (those are my favorite ingredients to throw around when talking risks). The only level I find acceptable is none at all. Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 20, 2000 Report Share Posted June 20, 2000 I like the multiple times they say that parents should use the inherent flexibility in the schedule if they are concerned about mercury levels - but don't miss a single shot! HUH? The answer to Q3 was my personal favorite though. S. Paris Moon wrote: > Yeah, Thimerosal is safe and necessary for vaccine production, but we need > to get it out of the vaccines as soon as possible. WTF? > > > > >From: Shelby <helminger@...> > >Reply-Vaccinationsegroups > >Vaccinationsegroups > >Subject: Re: thimerosal > >Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 22:42:33 -0400 > > > >What an amazing accomplishment in doublespeak! The objective must be to > >just > >confuse people into submission. > >S. > > > >Sheri Nakken wrote: > > > > > This was from CDC last JULY, > > > > > > > > > National Immunization Program > > > Thimerosal and Vaccine > > > Questions/Answers > > > > > > July 15, 1999 > > > > > > Q 1. What is Thimerosal? > > > > > > A. Thimerosal is a very effective preservative that contains mercury and > > > has been used in some vaccines and other products since the 1930s. > > > Thimerosal is the most widely used preservative in vaccines. The FDA > > > estimates that it is used in more than 30 licensed vaccines and > > > biologics. Mercury is excreted from the body over time. > > > > > > Q 2. Why is Thimerosal used in vaccines? > > > > > > A. Thimerosal is used as an extra safeguard against contamination. It > > > may be used during processing or added to the final container to prevent > > > contamination when multi-dose vials are opened. Before Thimerosal was > > > marketed in the United States, a number of safety studies were > > > conducted, first on animals and then on humans. > > > > > > Thimerosal is an important preservative that protects vaccine against > > > bacterial contamination. It is very effective in killing bacteria used > > > in several vaccines and in preventing bacterial contamination, > > > particularly in opened multi-dose containers. Some but not all of the > > > vaccines recommended routinely for children in the United States contain > > > thimerosal. Disease outbreaks have occurred following contamination of > > > multi-dose vaccine vials in the United States and from other countries. > > > For example, in April, 1995, three infants died in India from toxic > > > shock syndrome after administration of contaminated measles vaccine at > > > one health center. > > > > > > Q3. Can all vaccines be made Thimerosal-free, or within accepted > > > guidelines? If so, how quickly? > > > > > > A. All vaccines either do not contain thimerosal or contain thimerosal > > > within FDA guidelines. To further increase the margin of safety that > > > already exists, clinicians can use the inherent flexibility in the > > > current immunization schedule to fully vaccinate children and meet even > > > the most conservative guidelines for cumulative mercury exposure. > > > > > > Clinicians and parents can take advantage of the flexibility within the > > > existing schedule for infants born to Hepatitis B surface antigen > > > (HbsAg)-negative women to postpone the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine > > > from birth until two to six months of age when the infant is > > > considerably larger. Pre-term infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers > > > should similarly receive hepatitis B vaccine, but ideally not until they > > > reach term gestational age and a weight of at least 2.5 kilograms. > > > Because of the substantial risk of disease, there is no change in the > > > recommendations for infants of HbsAg-positive mothers or of mothers > > > whose status is not known. Also, in populations where HbsAg screening of > > > pregnant women is not routinely performed, vaccination of all infants at > > > birth should be maintained, as is currently recommended. Public Health > > > Service agencies are working with private physician groups and vaccine > > > manufacturers to expedite the process to reduce or eliminate thimerosal > > > from vaccines used in the United States. > > > > > > Q4. What could happen if parents ignored recommendations to use > > > thimerosal-containing vaccines during this transition period? > > > > > > A. Children would be at very real risk from illnesses that can be > > > prevented with safe and effective vaccinations. High rates of > > > vaccination led to declines of 95% to 100% in the occurrence of vaccine > > > preventable diseases in the United States. Despite this, the pathogens > > > responsible for most vaccine preventable diseases still circulate and > > > rates of disease would increase if vaccine coverage dropped. For > > > example, if vaccination coverage among infants dropped from 95% to 70%, > > > an additional 2,500 cases of pertussis would be expected to occur. > > > Moreover, the risk of death from pertussis is greatest in young > > > children. A second severe vaccine preventable disease among young > > > children is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Before vaccine was > > > introduced, this pathogen was the leading cause of meningitis and other > > > severe invasive infections among children; now cases of invasive Hib > > > disease have virtually disappeared. If vaccination for Hib declined to > > > 70%, 2,000 excess cases would occur with 1,200 cases of meningitis, > > > resulting in about 100 deaths and 180 children who would suffer mental > > > retardation and hearing loss. > > > > > > Q5. Why isn’t the federal government just recommending not using > > > vaccines with thimerosal in them if there is concern? > > > > > > A. Making vaccines safer and more effective is a constant goal for the > > > federal government; and, that is the purpose of the action we’re taking > > > now. There is a significant safety margin incorporated into all > > > acceptable mercury exposure limits. Furthermore, there are no data or > > > evidence of any harm caused by the level of exposure that some children > > > may have encountered in following the existing immunization schedule. > > > Today, we’re discussing a minimal, if any, risk from minute levels of > > > mercury-containing thimerosal versus the large and devastating risk of > > > childhood diseases like bacterial meningitis and whooping cough if > > > parents and physicians abandon vaccination during this transition > > > period. Any missed vaccinations puts children at risk from disease. > > > > > > Q6. How much mercury did my 6-month-old get in the last six months from > > > vaccines? How dangerous is that? > > > > > > A. Each dose of vaccine given your child met FDA requirements and should > > > not be a concern to you now--your choice to vaccinate your baby was a > > > sound one. The mercury levels being discussed are well within the safety > > > margins; however, we are working toward further increasing the margin of > > > safety that already exists. It is important that we limit the cumulative > > > amount of mercury children are exposed to, but parents should not > > > abandon vaccination as a means to do that. > > > > > > Q7. If there are vaccines that are mercury-free, why shouldn't I just > > > ask for those? > > > > > > A. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on > > > Immunization Practices for CDC and the Surgeon General all recommend > > > that parents do not let their child miss a vaccination when safe and > > > effective vaccines are available. Today, we are discussing a minimal, if > > > any, risk from cumulative levels of mercury from some vaccines versus > > > the large and devastating risk of childhood diseases like bacterial > > > meningitis and whooping cough if parents and physicians abandon > > > vaccination during this transition period. > > > > > > Clinicians and parents can take advantage of the flexibility within the > > > existing schedule for infants born to Hepatitis B surface antigen > > > (HbsAg)-negative women to postpone the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine > > > from birth until two to six months of age when the infant is > > > considerably larger. Pre-term infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers > > > should similarly receive hepatitis B vaccine, but ideally not until they > > > reach term gestational age and a weight of at least 2.5 kilograms. > > > Because of the substantial risk of disease, there is no change in the > > > recommendations for infants of HbsAg-positive mothers or of mothers > > > whose status is not known. Also, in populations where HbsAg screening of > > > pregnant women is not routinely performed, vaccination of all infants at > > > birth should be maintained, as is currently recommended. Public Health > > > Service agencies are working with private physician groups and vaccine > > > manufacturers to expedite the process to reduce or eliminate thimerosal > > > from vaccines used in the United States. > > > > > > The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on > > > Immunization Practices for CDC and the U.S. Surgeon General want parents > > > to be fully informed about children’s vaccines and if you have questions > > > or concerns, we encourage you to speak to your child’s trusted health > > > care provider. > > > > > > Q8. I’ve heard that children may be getting toxic levels of mercury from > > > vaccines. Is that true? > > > > > > A. Everyone is exposed to mercury, even in some foods and household > > > products. As part of an ongoing assessment of mercury in the environment > > > and in products, many agencies have developed guidelines for acceptable > > > levels of mercury--levels many times below any amount known to cause > > > harm. Some children, depending on which vaccines they receive and the > > > timing of those vaccines, are exposed to cumulative levels of mercury > > > close to the safety ranges of guidelines. To further increase this > > > margin of safety, clinicians and parents can take advantage of the > > > flexibility within the existing immunization schedule. It’s important to > > > understand that these highest acceptable levels include a " safety > > > cushion " to take into account all the variables that people face in > > > their exposures to mercury. No children are getting toxic levels of > > > mercury from vaccines. > > > > > > Q9. Are there vaccines available to prevent childhood diseases without > > > exposing them to mercury? > > > > > > A. Yes, although you may discover that these vaccines are not > > > immediately available from your health care provider. The American > > > Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices > > > for CDC and the Surgeon General all recommend that parents do not let > > > their child miss a vaccination when safe and effective vaccines are > > > available. Today, we have a minimal, if any, risk from minute levels of > > > mercury-containing thimerosal in some vaccines versus the large and > > > devastating risk of childhood diseases like bacterial meningitis and > > > whooping cough if parents and physicians abandon vaccination during this > > > transition period. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory > > > Committee on Immunization Practices for CDC and the U.S. Surgeon General > > > want parents to be fully informed about children’s vaccines and if you > > > have questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak to your child’s > > > trusted health care provider. > > > > > > Q10. Why are the Public Health Service and AAP making these > > > recommendations now? > > > > > > A. Although mercury is found in the environment, in food and in > > > household products, exposure to mercury is of concern and, when > > > possible, should be avoided. The Public Health Service agencies, the > > > American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agree that > > > thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines to make already > > > safety vaccines even safer and to allow for new vaccines to be added to > > > the schedule in the future. Some children, depending on which vaccines > > > they receive and the timing of those vaccines, are exposed to cumulative > > > levels of mercury close to the safety ranges of guidelines. The mercury > > > levels being discussed are within the safety margins; however, we are > > > working toward further increasing the margin of safety that already > > > exists. It is important that we limit the cumulative amount of mercury > > > children are exposed to, but parents should not abandon vaccination as a > > > means to do that. > > > > > > Q11. Why are chemicals and other substances added to vaccines? > > > > > > A. Many things in today's world, including foods and medicines, have > > > chemicals added to them to prevent the growth of germs and reduce > > > spoilage. Chemicals are added to vaccines for similar reasons, to > > > inactivate a virus or bacteria and to stabilize it, helping to preserve > > > the vaccine and prevent it from losing its potency over time. > > > > > > Some additives are used in the production of vaccines. Vaccines may > > > include suspending fluid (e.g., sterile water, saline, or fluids > > > containing protein); preservatives and stabilizers (e.g., albumin, > > > phenols, and glycine); and adjuvants or enhancers that help the vaccine > > > improve its immunogenicity (ability to protect against disease). > > > > > > Q12. I understand some people are sensitive to thimerosal and must avoid > > > it. Do they have problems with thimerosal-containing vaccines? > > > > > > A. Most patients do not develop reactions to thimerosal given as a > > > component of vaccines even when they’ve had a patch or intradermal tests > > > for thimerosal that indicated hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity to > > > thimerosal usually consists of local, delayed reactions. > > > > > > Q13. How can I find out what chemical additives are in specific > > > vaccines? > > > > > > A. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for a copy of the vaccine > > > package insert. The package insert lists ingredients in the vaccine and > > > discusses any known adverse reactions. > > > > > > Q14. What is mercury? > > > > > > A. Mercury is a metal, a chemical element found everywhere. As such, it > > > is neither created, nor destroyed -- the same amount of mercury has > > > existed since the earth was formed. > > > > > > Two major forms of mercury exist in nature, an inorganic form (the > > > mercury used in thermometers) and the organic form. Humans and wildlife > > > are exposed to both, but the metallic mercury is quickly released from > > > the body. The organic form tends to accumulate in humans, and > > > particularly in large predator fish. Humans are usually exposed to > > > organic mercury from eating fish which have accumulated it in their > > > muscle tissue. Very high levels of mercury are toxic. Because mercury is > > > everywhere, it is not possible to prevent all exposure to mercury. > > > Federal agencies, including the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease > > > Registries and the Food Administration have established guidelines for > > > levels of mercury exposure considered safe. In addition, uses and > > > releases of mercury have been reduced very substantially in recent > > > decades in the U.S. and most other industrialized countries. > > > > > > Q15. Who is most vulnerable to mercury? > > > > > > A. Two groups are most vulnerable to methyl mercury: the fetus and > > > pregnant women. Premature babies are more vulnerable because they tend > > > to be very small and their brain is not as developed as a full term > > > baby. Children may be at higher risk of mercury exposure than are adults > > > because they eat more per pound of body weight and because they may be > > > inherently more sensitive than adults since their nervous systems are > > > still developing. The guidelines for mercury exposure are based on > > > amount of mercury per weight. This helps estimate reference level of > > > exposure according to the person's weight. > > > > > > Q16: What is the ATSDR level for mercury exposure? > > > > > > A: The minimal risk level, or MRL, is 0.3 micrograms per kilograms of > > > body weight per day (ug/kg/d) for ingestion of methylmercury. Mercury > > > occurs in the environment in several forms: elemental, inorganic and > > > organic mercury. Methylmercury is the most common form of organic > > > mercury. People can be exposed to methylmercury by eating fish or > > > shellfish that come from mercury-contaminated waters. > > > > > > MRLs are health guidance values established by ATSDR and are intended > > > for use by health assessors as screening tools when determining whether > > > further evaluation of potential human exposure at hazardous waste sites > > > is warranted. They are not intended for use in determining clean-up > > > levels or for other regulatory purposes. > > > > > > Q17: Why is this level different from EPA’s? > > > > > > A: Both agencies recognize Mercury as a neurotoxicant, a toxin which > > > affects the nervous system of humans. Further, both agencies recognize > > > that fetuses and women of reproductive age are among the groups at high > > > risk from Mercury exposure. And, both agencies agree on the Minimal Risk > > > Levels for exposure to two of the three forms of Mercury–Elemental > > > Mercury by inhalation, and Inorganic Mercury by oral means. The agencies > > > do differ in the MRL for Methyl Mercury (Organic Mercury). > > > > > > The difference between the two agencies is extremely small. In the > > > Toxicological Profile for Mercury, ATSDR uses exposure to 0.3 micrograms > > > per kilogram of body weight per day as the Minimal Risk Level (the level > > > at which scientists would not expect to see any adverse health effects, > > > but at which they would see the need for additional investigation). EPA > > > considers the level to be 0.1 micrograms/kilogram/day. A microgram is > > > one millionth of a gram. A gram is 0.035 ounce. > > > > > > Q18: What is the safety margin built into this level? > > > > > > The ATSDR value (mrl of 03 mcg/kg/d) has a significant safety margin > > > built into it. The value is approximately ten times below the highest > > > exposure levels found in participants in the Seyschelles Study (a recent > > > study evaluating individuals who were exposed to methyl mercury). Even > > > at the highest exposure levels recorded in the Seyschelles Study, no > > > participants experienced adverse health effects. > > > > > > Q19: What happens if your exposure exceeds the recomended levels? > > > > > > A: The nervous system is very sensitive to all forms of mercury. > > > Methylmercury and metal vapors are more harmful than other forms, > > > because more mercury in these forms reaches the brain. Exposure to high > > > levels of metallic, inorganic, or organic mercury can permanently damage > > > the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. Effects on brain functioning > > > may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or > > > hearing, and memory problems. > > > > > > Short-term exposure to high levels of metallic mercury vapors may cause > > > effects including lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increases in > > > blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes, and eye irritation. > > > > > > Q20: How can mercury affect children? > > > > > > A: Very young children are more sensitive to mercury than adults. > > > Mercury in the mother's body passes to the fetus and can pass to a > > > nursing infant through breast milk. However, the benefits of breast > > > feeding may be greater than the possible adverse effects of mercury in > > > breast milk. > > > > > > Mercury's harmful effects that may be passed from the mother to the > > > developing fetus include brain damage, mental retardation, and lack of > > > coordination, blindness, seizures, and an inability to speak. Children > > > poisoned by mercury may develop problems of their nervous and digestive > > > systems and kidney damage. > > > > > > Q21. Which population groups have the highest levels of mercury? > > > > > > A. Groups that tend to have higher exposure include subsistence and > > > frequent recreational fishers, people of Asian origin, and some Native > > > American groups. The typical U.S. consumer eating fish from restaurants > > > and grocery stores are not in danger of consuming harmful levels of > > > mercury from fish and are not advised to limit fish consumption. > > > Everyone is exposed to mercury, even in some foods and household > > > products. > > > > > > Q22. How can parents learn more about children’s immunizations? > > > > > > A. To learn more about children's immunizations, vaccinations, or baby > > > shots from a CDC information specialist, please call CDC’s National > > > Immunization Information Hotline: 1-800-232-2522, for English, > > > 1-800-232-0233, for Spanish. > > > > > > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > ---- > > > > > > This page last reviewed July 15, 1999. > > > > > > Centers for Disease Control and Prevention > > > National Immunization Program > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------- > > > Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA > > > ANY INFO OBTAINED HERE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS > > > MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION TO > > > VACCINATE IS YOURS AND YOURS ALONE. > > > > > > Well Within's Earth Mysteries & Sacred Site Tours > > > http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin > > > Bookstore - http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin/bookstor.htm > > > International Tours, Homestudy Courses, ANTHRAX & OTHER Vaccine Dangers > > > Education, Homeopathic Education > > > KVMR Broadcaster/Programmer/Investigative Reporter, Nevada City CA > > > CEU's for nurses, Books & Multi-Pure Water Filters > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > Best friends, most artistic, class clown Find 'em here: > > > 1/5533/7/_/489317/_/961450377/ > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Need to allergy-proof your bedroom? Pristine mattress > encasements form a breathable barrier that protects your family from > common allergens. Order one today and get two pillow encasements FREE! > 1/5493/7/_/489317/_/961472927/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2000 Report Share Posted July 22, 2000 Until adequate supplies are available, use of vaccines that >contain thimerosal as a preservative is acceptable. Acceptable to whom???? As we heard in the hearing, they already have the supplies. Its about not losing money on product already made. No evidence existed of any harm >caused by low levels of thimerosal in vaccines. The usual - absence of evidence doesn't mean evidence of absence there's plenty of evidence - they just don't want to look at it. Public concern had been >expressed about the health effects of mercury exposure of any sort, and the >elimination of mercury from vaccines was considered a feasible means of >reducing an infant's total exposure to mercury in a world where other >environmental sources of exposure are more difficult or impossible to >eliminate (e.g., certain foods). Oh, yea right! Can you believe this statement? They are being so good. Because we can't control the air and the food and the water, they will sacrifice and help us. >the basis of this progress, the most likely maximum amount of ethylmercury >that an infant may be exposed to from the routine vaccination schedule has >been reduced by 60%, from 187.5 µg to 75 µg. STILL NOT ACCEPTABLE! (of course they wouldn't be acceptable to me even if they didn't have a pinch of thimerosal). >The vaccination of children in much of the world will continue to require the >use of multidose vials because of cost, production, and storage capacity. >Multidose vials require a preservative to prevent microbial contamination >after the vial is opened. For multidose vials, manufacturers are encouraged >to seek alternatives to thimerosal. And the extermination of the 3rd world will continue as planned. -------------------------------------------------------- Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA Vaccination Information & Choice Network, Nevada City CA 95959 http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin/vaccine.htm ANY INFO OBTAINED HERE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION TO VACCINATE IS YOURS AND YOURS ALONE. Well Within's Earth Mysteries & Sacred Site Tours http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin International Tours, Homestudy Courses, ANTHRAX & OTHER Vaccine Dangers Education, Homeopathic Education KVMR Broadcaster/Programmer/Investigative Reporter, Nevada City CA CEU's for nurses, Books & Multi-Pure Water Filters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2004 Report Share Posted May 8, 2004 Thimerosal is " needed " in vaccines to prevent microbial growth (bacterial/viral) during product storage and use. It also serves to inactivate certain organisms and toxins. Thimerosal gives the manufacturers the ability to produce vaccines in a non sterile environment. A sterile environment keeps the bacterium and viruses (those " designated " for vaccines) from replicating (duh). So, once these hidious things have replicated to the point at which is considered the necessary amount for vaccine production, that's when the thimerosal is added. The fact that thimerosal is needed to inactivate these nasties should tell just how toxic these microorganisms are that science is messing with to keep the big bucks packing into their pockets. World Health Organizations has made it very clear they will always be strongly advocating to keep thimerosal in vaccines because of how potentially deadly these things can be without the thimerosal. The other indicator is how much thimerosal is needed to do just that. Remember, it only takes 35 mcg to kill a rabbit. Some vaccines have 12.5 mcg and others have 25. Think about how many doses of those a child receives by 18 months. Then if that's not fatally dangerous enough, they get yet another round in time for school registeration. It's a big game of russian roulette. One on top of the other. The potentially deadly microorganisms have to be " maintained " by something even MORE toxic and potentially deadly, thimerosal. Money is more beneficial to the big dogs than the health of mankind. -------Kimberley Medlin--------- VACCINES: Keeping our children from harm .....or playing Russian Roulette? http://www.vaccinationsandSIDS.com/ Abortions that were intended for vaccine manufacturing: www.cogforlife.org ChristianityandVaccinations_AZvac-lib/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 Hi Aldona. The FDA provides a chart here: http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimerosal.htm#t3 And this web site has all the vaccines with links to the product inserts: http://www.novaccine.com/vaccine-ingredients/ Tash On Mon, Mar 3, 2008 at 10:09 AM, aldona99 <aldona99@...> wrote: > Hi, > > I was talking to a friend about vaccines, and she told me about a book > by Dr. Sears, entitled " The Vaccine Book " , and the doctor wrote, that > Thimerosal was hardly used anymore, that the ingredient was something > less harmful. > > I've read so much in the past, so I don't remember where I read what, > but I'm thinking of an article that Sheri was debunking... something > about ethyl mercury having a half-lief of 7 something, and methyl > mercury having only a half life of 3.7 days.. > > I think I might be a bit confused... > > Is there a listing of the vaccines with their ingredients already > compiled online? Or do I have the read the inserts, one by one, for > the list of ingredients in a particular vaccine? > > Aldona in Germany > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2010 Report Share Posted March 18, 2010 eply<http://www.facebook.com/gigaboxx/dialog/MessageComposer.php?thread=13689447\ 51248 & msg_id=0 & id=100000492035217> COMED INC. 14 REDGATE COURT, SILVER SPRING, MD 20905-5726 CoMeD Files Evidence of Miscarriage after Thimerosal-containing Flu Shots PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release March 18, 2010 CONTACTS: CoMeD President [Rev. K. Sykes (Richmond, VA) 804-364-8426] CoMeD Science Advisor [Dr. G. King (Lake Hiawatha, NJ) 973-997-1321] Washington, DC - In its pursuit of banning all use of mercury in medicine, unless proven safe by appropriate toxicity studies, today CoMeD, Inc., a non-profit corporation, filed declarations from pregnant women harmed by Thimerosal-containing influenza shots in the US District Court for the District of Columbia (case: 1:2009cv-00015). These declarations report that health care providers seemed to be largely unaware of the continuing presence of mercury in vaccines and that these providers often failed to accurately disclose the known risks to the patient from these Thimerosal-containing vaccines, which are specifically recommended for pregnant women and children. Thimerosal, used as a preservative in vaccines without the required proofs of safety, is half mercury by weight and a known bioaccumulative human poison, neurotoxin, carcinogen, mutagen, teratogen and immune-system disruptor. In order not to exceed the EPA’s safe daily reference dose (RfD) for mercury ingestion from the mercury contained in one 0.5-mL Thimerosal-preserved flu shot, a pregnant woman or child would have to weigh more than 550 pounds. Worse, the Material Safety Data sheets for Thimerosal list: fetal death, miscarriage, mental retardation and gross motor impairment as possible outcomes of in utero exposure to Thimerosal. CoMeD, Inc. originally sought injunctive relief regarding the use of Thimerosal-preserved flu shots for pregnant women in August 2009. In oral arguments, CoMeD’s attorneys detailed the danger posed by Thimerosal and the denial of informed consent accompanying its administration in most cases. CoMeD’s attorneys also argued that federal regulations mandating that “any preservative used shall be sufficiently nontoxic so that the amount … will not be toxic to the recipient” [21 CFR § 610.15(a)] have been illegally ignored in the case of Thimerosal. To establish that Thimerosal used as a preservative is “sufficiently nontoxic…”, toxicity studies must prove its safety. Yet, as the US Food and Drug Administration and the drug manufacturers have repeatedly admitted, they have not conducted the toxicity studies required to prove the Thimerosal in a single vaccine dose is “sufficiently nontoxic …”. Half a year after CoMeD filed a request for a preliminary injunction, which has not yet been granted, to stop the administration of mercury-preserved flu shots to pregnant women, CoMeD members now seek to establish with this filing, that damage they predicted to unborn children sadly has occurred. Declarations filed today detail fetal deaths, miscarriages, stillbirths and premature births following the administration of Thimerosal-preserved/containing flu shots. In addition to personal declarations, CoMeD has filed copies of records from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, maintained by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, documenting reports of more than one hundred fetal deaths, miscarriages, stillbirths, and premature births attributed to flu shots in the period from September through December of 2009 alone, as well as an additional sixty-plus personal accounts of similar flu-shot-related harm. With safer alternatives to Thimerosal and the proven ability to make vaccines without any preservative, the use of Thimerosal or any other mercury compound in vaccines without the toxicological proofs of safety required by drug law is both indefensible and illegal, according to CoMeD. ___________________________________________________________ To support the ongoing efforts of CoMeD, Inc. with your tax-deductible contributions, please use the PayPal link on CoMeD’s Internet website, http://www.Mercury-freeDrugs.org <http://www.mercury-freedrugs.org/>. CoMeD, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501©(3) corporation that is actively engaged in legal, educational and scientific efforts to stop all use of mercury in medicine, and to ban the use of all mercury-containing medicines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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