French Study Suggests Link Between Exposure to Heavy Metals and Autism

SafeMinds Calls for Further Scientific Investigation

A French study published last week by New Scientist Magazine concludes that the concentration of heavy metal compounds in the urine of autistic children is 2.6 times higher than that of the control group. These metal compounds bind to receptors in the brain and are linked to autism.

Molecular biologist and head of the study, Richard Lathe of Pieta Research in Edinburgh, U.K., underlined the study’s findings. He stated, “It's highly likely that heavy metals are responsible for childhood autistic disorder in a majority of cases." He also acknowledged that this finding may point toward the potential treatment of autism with a drug therapy that purges the body of heavy metals. Such drugs absorb heavy metal buildup and safely excrete it from the body.

Heavy metals have been researched by several independent organizations and U.S. federal agencies as an environmental trigger for the onset of autism (particularly through vaccinations containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative). Multiple studies have indicated that there is a connection between childhood vaccines containing thimerosal and the incidence of autism.

The Coalition for SafeMinds (Sensible Action For Ending Mercury-Induced Neurological Disorders) is a private nonprofit organization founded to investigate and raise awareness of the risks to infants and children of exposure to mercury from medical products, including thimerosal in vaccines. SafeMinds challenges inconclusive studies such as a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that concluded there is no link between thimerosal and mercury. This study did not disprove a link between mercury and autism—it suggested further research.

Recovered Children

Focus of this Sunday's Dateline

Dateline NBC will air a segement on Sunday, June 4th about children recovered from autism. Check your local listings for times in your area.

Please tune in, set your recorders and TiVos and let all you know that may care about this issue to watch. Dateline executives listen to letters and e-mails received from viewers. So, if after viewing this piece you are inclined to write and comment please do so by e-mailing dateline@msnbc.com.

Remember Dad's with a SafeMinds Apron

Father's Day is Just Around the Corner

Support SafeMinds and purchase a wonderful gift. Order this SafeMind's apron - perfect for Father's Day. Aprons, including shipping and handling, are only $25 gift wrapped, or $20 without wrapping.

To purchase, visit www.safeminds.org and click on Make a Donation in the left hand column. Shipping and handling is included in the cost, so just enter your donation of either $20 or $25

Moms Against Mercury to Protest at CDC

On June 29, 2006, Moms Against Mercury (MAM) will hold a march at the Center's for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The CDC's vaccine policymaking committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), also will be meeting to discuss vaccine policies at the CDC on June 29-30. For more information on the Thursday, June 29 march please visit Moms Against Mercury.

SafeMinds Responds to NIEHS Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) Meeting

To Cindy Lawler, PhD, Director of NIEHS

SafeMinds has received and reviewed several documents that were distributed in preparation for the May 6, 2006 meeting to discuss the feasibility of additional analyses of the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) data in an effort to assess potential associations between receipt of thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) and the subsequent development of autism. During our review of the meeting materials, several questions and suggestions have surfaced that we wanted to share with both the organizers and participants in hopes that past mistakes using the VSD will not be repeated so as to create the most valid and reliable study possible. The purpose for this communication is to outline our specific concerns.

Essentially, there are substantial concerns related to the validity of both the major predictor (thimerosal exposure) and response (autism). These concerns can be broadly categorized into four sections: VSD Database Limitations, Previous VSD Analyses, Potential for VSD Acceptance Issues and Recommendations. In addition, we felt it would also be beneficial for panel members to be briefed with regard to events that precipitated this meeting being requested by several members of Congress which is included below.

Additionally, the impetus for the upcoming meeting stems from the letter sent to Dr. Schwartz by several members of Congress on February 22, 2006. The Congressional letter specifically excludes CDC from assuming leadership roles. Based on the agenda we have concerns about the extent to which the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are involved in the upcoming meeting, as well as planning and executing a future project.

To read the full letter, please click here.

Steps for SafeMinds - Buffalo, NY

Don't forget to RSVP

If you live in the Buffalo, New York area, please join SafeMinds president Lyn Redwood at the kickoff reception for the first annual Steps for SafeMinds Autism Walk on June 15, 2006. This is a free, informational meeting - please contact us to RSVP.