David Kirby unveils the extent of his evidence that mercury causes autism and presents it in the ever eager to please Schafer Autism Report.
Very recent studies, presented by top university researchers at major autism conferences or published in respected, peer-reviewed journals, have reported the following findings possibly supporting a link between mercury and autism. Some of this work has been derided by the CDC as ‘junk science’ conducted by ‘charlatans’.
So lets get rid of the dross and spin first. “major autism conferences” as a source is frankly, laughable. Not only are they unnamed, they are likely to be run by hysterical parent-led groups. I think its safe to discount these as credible. This leaves us with ‘top university researchers’ publishing in ‘respected, peer-reviewed journals’. Lets also bear in mind that that, by Kirby’s own admission these are ‘findings’ (as oppose to evidence or facts) that ‘possibly’ (as oppose to do) ‘support’ (as oppose to are) a link (as oppose to cause) autism.
So lets write out what Kirby and his motley crew wish they could say here and what they can say:
Kirby Crew: “Autism is mercury poisoning – here is some factual evidence to back that up.”
Reality: “There may be a link to indicate the possibility that some forms of mercury might have some relationship to autistic-like symptoms.”
There is not one shred of evidence that I know of that would prove that mercury poisoning causes autism.
Univeristy Of Washington / National Institutes Of Environmental Health Sciences – Published In Environmental Health Perspectives. In primates, ethylmercury from vaccines (in the form of thimerosal), once it enters the brain, converts to inorganic mercury at two to three times the rate of methylmercury, which is found in fish. Inorganic mercury lacks a natural transport system out of the brain, where it remains for long periods of time, perhaps indefinitely. A previous study by the same team found that inorganic mercury was the main cause of serious changes in brain tissue, including a major expansion of microglial cells (white matter), which is consistent with the finding of “big brains” in autistic children.
Note firstly the lack of a direct quote from the article itself. Once you get past the spin you can only deduce from the above that primates brains changed when you put mercury into them. Apparently this is ‘consistent’ with autistics big brains.
At this point I’d like to reveal the results of my own scientific investigation. Once, I gave an ice cream to a monkey which it promptly ate and shrieked in a monkey-like way in gratitude. As autistic children eat ice cream and occassionaly make strange shrieking noises too I hereby annouce that ice-cream causes autism. Where’s my Nobel prize?
In all seriousness, no one is saying that putting Mercury into kids in elevated quantities is a good thing. Its right there should be limits and maybe even a ban. This is because it can lead to mercury poisoning. Not because it causes autism. There really is a difference.
University Of California – M.I.N.D. Institute – Presented At The 2005 Interational Meeting For Autism Research. Children with autism have a markedly different immune profile from normal kids. They are found to have increased autoimmunity, extremely high levels of certain immune cells and cytokines, and an imbalance of immune cells to antibodies (TH1 vs. TH2 response). ALL of these abnormal conditions appear in the literature on mercury toxicity.
What? How is this evidence? All it shows is that some aspects of some autistics immune profile share some characteristics of mercury toxicity. I don’t know anyone in the field who doesn’t know that autism and mercury poisoning share characteristics. How exactly does this even support a link, let alone offer supporting evidence?
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School Of Public Health – Published In The Journal Pediatrics. The rate of increase in new cases of autism among children born every year in the United States was relatively stable until 1987, when the rate suddenly began to spike, and then continued to rise among children born in each subsequent birth cohort. A second spike in the rate of increase was noted in 1992, a few years after which, the rate began to level off. (It is interesting to note that, between 1987 and 1992, with the introduction of new thimerosal containing vaccines, total mercury exposure from infant immunization went from 75 to nearly 240 micrograms). Meanwhile, the reported incidence of mental retardation and other childhood disorders remained constant, meaning that “diagnostic substitution” was not an explanation for the rise in autism cases.
Demonstrating both a frightening attitude to misinformation and a nice line in arrogance regarding how the US sees itself as the centre of the world. Firstly, what happens in America is relevant to America only. The rest of us don’t see that tally. If Kirby wants to rename his book ‘Evidence of Harm Between the Years 1987-1992 and Only In America’ based on this ‘evidence’ then that might go some way towards addressing his interpretation of data. Still won’t make it any more relevant though. And ‘diagnostic substitution’? What the hell? Is Kirby suggesting that Doctors don’t know the difference betwe autism and mental retardation? Or is this just a really stupid way of trying to persuade people the the autism ‘epidemic’ isn’t better detection and reporting plus an increase in the width of diagnostic criteria? I suspect the latter.
University Of Arkansas – Arkansas Children’s Hospital Published In The Journal Biology. Children with autism have extremely low or depleted levels of sulfur-based bio-chemicals known as thiols (a synonym for thiol is mercaptan, or literally, “mercury capturer,”). The reason is thought to be genetic. Without these substances, such as the protein glutathione, these genetically variant children suffer from oxidative stress, and show a reduced capacity to liminate heavy metals like mercury. Biomedical intervention with a variety of natural substances was shown to elevate thiol levels in study children to normal levels.
Er, OK. So what Kirby seems to be saying here is that if autistics have low levels of thiols they can’t liminate mercury. How that supports the theory of mercury poisoning causing autism is beyond me. This line of argument is almost a living breathing definition of the word ‘circumstantial’. Or ‘crap’.
Columbia University – Published In Molecular Psychology. Mice with a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity showed horrific reactions to thimerosal containing vaccines, compared to mice without the autoimmunity. Sensitive mice showed repetitive and self-injurious behavior, including grooming themselves or their cage mates incessantly, sometimes to the point of death. They also were found to have increased brain size compared to the typical (control) mice exposed to the same vaccine schedule.
I must admit to the odd snigger or two by this point. Is this really what Kirby thinks is ‘supporting evidence’ of mercury as a causative of autism? Tell you what Dave mate – when I see two autistics grooming each other to the point of death then I’ll start to worry.
Here’s what Craig Newschaffer of Johns Hopkins says:
Epidemiologist Craig Newschaffer of Johns Hopkins says that animal experiments such as this are important to determine the physiological effects of exposure to toxic substances. But, he notes, it’s impossible to say with certainty that lab animals exhibiting certain kinds of behavior have autism or that what happens in lab animals translates to people.
Of course, the mercury crowd don’t care for logic. How they think you can diagnose a mouse with autism is simply baffling.
Northeastern University – Published In Molecular Psychiatry. Thimerosal, when exposed to cells with certain genetic mutations, can interfere with critical metabolic processes, including something called methylation. Methylation is crucial for proper gene expression and DNA/RNA growth, and for the development of neurotransmitters and essential fatty acids – including myelin – which protect the nerves and brain. Methylation is also needed for the development of sulfur-based thiols (or “mercury capturers”) such as glutathione, and other detoxification functions.
So really, what you’re saying is that if someone doesn’t have these ‘certain genetic mutations’ then Thimerosal can’t harm them? But…but…I thought all the mercury crowd thought there was no genetic basis for autism. Talking to such hysterics as Lujene Clarke gave me the idea that it was either/or with you guys. And even if you do support the idea of a genetic basis – what exactly are these ‘certain genetic mutations’? I can’t help but note no-one says what these mutations actually are. Possibly because they have no bearing on autism?
Here’s what proper scientisits have to say about this study:
The authors conclude that “The potent inhibition of this pathway by ethanol, lead, mercury, aluminum and thimerosal suggests that it may be an important target of neurodevelopmental toxins.” Unfortunately, the authors tacked on the statement that “…vaccine components (i.e. thimerosal and aluminum) may have contributed to the risk of autism, ADHD and other developmental disorders.” We understand the pressures on scientists to justify the relevance of their research and maintain funding of their work but the problem is that sometimes basic research is just basic research and nothing more.
Next!
University Of Texas – Published In The Journal Health And Place. Mercury released primarily from coal-fired power plants may be contributing to an increase in the number of cases of autism. The study found that autism increased in Texas counties as mercury emissions rose. For every thousand pounds of environmentally released mercury, there was a 61 percent increase in autism rates. The study looked at Texas county-by-county levels of mercury emissions and compared them to the rates of autism and special education services in 1,200 Texas school districts. One county with low mercury emissions but significant autism rates was found to harbor the nation’s largest mercury mine. An author of the study said it shows a potentially “important connection between environmental exposure to mercury and the development of autism.”
61% increase? Funny that, because Professor Palmer himself says
We found that for every 1,000 pounds of mercury released by industry, there was a 17 percent increase in autism,” Palmer tells WebMD.
Please do your research properly. The Professor also says:
Palmer is quick to point out that this kind of study does not prove mercury pollution causes autism. “We show a significant relationship between mercury release into the environment and autism. But that does not prove causation,” Palmer says.
So, once again. No proof that mercury poisoning either is, or causes, autism. There may be a link but what that link is or even if it exists at all is pure conjecture. In the meantime, what isn’t conjecture is the amount of money Kirby, Generation Rescue et al make from manipulating the emotions of parents into buying hysterical books on the subject and purchasing thousands of dollars worth of chelation ‘therapy’.
I’m merely happy that the more hysterical and easily led of these groups exist mainly in the US and Canada. Thankfully in the UK common sense still seems to largely prevail. Then again, we’ve never been of the opinion that everything difficult can be solved be stamping our feet and showering it with money.
Left Brain Right Brain 
I’m no fan of American politics and its current regime’s attack on science but I think you were bit rich on the anti-US rhetoric at the end. For a post dealing to generalisations and poor science I felt your final points were very much of the same ilk.
The anti-vacine brigade are everywhere. The recent reports of a Mumps epidemic in the UK pointed to a decrease in vaccinations in part due to the MMR/autism propaganda.
Everyone encounters parents time who say they won’t vaccinate their children. Reasons vary: not wanting to see their kids cry after a jab, “vaccinations don’t work”, not wanting to have to physically hold down their strong willed child, fear of side effects…. etc. It’s these people who increase the risk of a disease outbreak, and make it so much more important that you get your own kids vaccinated.
Thats how I se it Andrew. I look at groups like Generation Rescue, NAAR, CAN, DAN, Safeminds and they all originate in North America. It’s got nothing to do with politics – its just the way it is. Can you think of any European based groups who are so strident and so prepared to manipulate facts to suit their own agendas? You might also note I mentioned the US and Canada. Last time I checked Canada has nothing to do with US politics.
Not wanting to vax your kids is one thing. Being part of a huge national movement(s) to promote that idea is quite another.
Nice little article here.
I think it’s too easy to point finger at others. North America has a pretty substantial English speaking population and I’d be surprised if it didn’t make up the bulk of the English language websites. Where are you going to hear about the anti-vaccination groups in non-English speaking countries if you’re restricting yourself to English language searches?
As for the Canadians, the Pig Pill people managed to get a talk publicised in the local Autism newsletter. I didn’t end up going but they used a clever marketing ploy of hiring a Med School lecture theatre to lend credence to their claims (“The Science behind empowerplus”).
Andrew I think you’re missing the point a little. I’m not suggesting there are no non North American anti-vax campaigners but this post is about Evidence of Harm which isa book written by an American published by an American company regarding American families and using American stats.
I’m at something of a loss to know why you feel I’m being anti-US. I’ve made no allusions to US politics in this post and considering the ‘Americanness’ of EoH I’m wondering exactly how I could not draw conclusions based on nationality about the people who are featured in it (American).
I really don’t understand where you’re coming from on this, sorry.
PS – I think you read the last paragraph and assumed it was a general anti-US rant. Nothng could be further from the truth.
As you know, this blog serves a dual purpose of discussing both autism and web design. Through my participation in the international web design community I have lots of peers who are American and these people I like, respect and value. I have no axe to grind regarding America or Americans.
The fact exists though that EoH is an American book, written by an American and featuring mainly Americans. It supports a viewpoint held by American anti-mercury/vaccine campaigners directly. In that last paragraph I’m merely expressing thanks that we don’t have that same prevelant attitude in this country.
“In that last paragraph I’m merely expressing thanks that we don’t have that same prevelant attitude in this country.”
Sorry, but that’s a generalisation. Look at the WHO stats and you’ll see that the US vaccine coverage seems better than the UK. NZ (where I am) is slightly worse. The “we’re OK here” point of view is precisely why some people don’t get their kids immunised – “why get a polio jab?, nobody gets polio anymore”.
Thankfully it’s not a prevelant attitude in ANY of these countries. Websites like yours do a great service in condemning the anti-vax hysteria. I’m sure I’ve picked on a small statement in a good post (I often do that – sorry), but I don’t think anyone should be given the impression that “it’s alright here, unlike over there” – that can lead to apathy.
I think we’re going to have to agree to disagree Andrew. I’m really not sure where you’re coming from at all here.
I’m certainly not generalising about the attitude. I did not claim there was *no* UK anti-vax groups (I can think of several) but the _prevelant_ attitude does not support that viewpoint in ths country whereas the anti-vax viewpoint, promulgated by books like EoH is fast becoming the prevailing attitude in the US. Me being glad that its not in the UK is merely my opinion.
Your first comment stated:
“I’m no fan of American politics and its current regime’s attack on science but I think you were bit rich on the anti-US rhetoric at the end. For a post dealing to generalisations and poor science I felt your final points were very much of the same ilk.”
Whereas I actually made zero comments on American politics or the current regime. Further my closing paragrpah wasn’t a scientific validation or refutation of one, it was merely being thankful that a bad situation like the one currently unfolding in North America (which encompasses several countries with no ties to the US or the US’ current regime) isn’t the prevailing attitude in this country.
I’m very sorry if I’ve offended your views but I stand by everything I said and I am still totally bewildered by what you’re saying now.
You’re drawing a pretty big conclusion to state that the anti-vax crowd in North America is prevalent or fast becoming prevalent (where’s the evidence?).
Anyone can write a book (or a blog, or a comment on a blog ;o)). I hope you’re not being unduly influenced by the kooks and nutters that manage to get published in print (or on the internet). I wouldn’t have thought you’d let them have that much of an influence over you.
Anyway, I’ll shutup now – sorry for going off on a tangent.
Andrew – when anti-vax campaigners manage to get a countries legaslative body to seriously consider altering an establshed and successful vaccination campaign then I think you can assume their influence is significant. I also didn’t claim it _was_ prevelant, I said it was _beconing_ prevelant.
Going off an a tagent is not a problem. Frank and open discusion never hurts.
Andrew the mumps epidemic is not just about the anti-MMR propaganda, it is because the ages of the most people at University is the age gap between those who would have got the MMR as a kid and those who would have been exposed and caught the virus as a Kid. (I am in this gap, but have had the MMR)
Anyway natural active immunity is better than passive immunity and there is nothing to say that this is NOT a mutated gene of the mumps virus from the one in the vaccination , in which case you would still get a mumps epidemic!
Actually, one interesting answer to Kev’s question of “Can you think of any European based groups who are so strident and so prepared to manipulate facts to suit their own agendas?”
My answer: almost any of the animal rights groups in Britain (SHAC, for example) and the rest of the U.K., which as a group are far more strident than anything, even PETA, that we have here in the U.S. They routinely resort to intimidation (mainly against workers at companies that engage in any sort of animal research) and occasionally even violence to achieve their ends. Compared to Britain, we have very little of such animal rights radicalism in the U.S.. Indeed, SHAC has exported its intimidation to the United States when Huntingdon Life Sciences (the target of its wrath) located a facility in New Jersey.
Thats very true Orac. We recently had an appalling case where the grave of a woman who happened to be related to someone who worked in a testing lab was desecrated, her remains removed and scattered through a nearby wood – perpetrated proudly by the anti-animal testing brigade.
http://www.neurodiversity.com/evidence_of_venom.html
Have you seen this? Autism Diva hopes you haven’t got it elsewhere on your blog already. Kathleen Seidel would appreciate it if people would spread the link around so the page will move higher in the google returns.
Autism Diva
I have indeed AD – look up and to your right ;o)
Doesn’t matter – its worth repeating again and again.
WOW! Another person who believes the AMA and FDA can do no harm… Both organizations run by humans (unfortunately) and take marching orders from politicians and the pharmicutical companies.
I have a 12 year old child with “autism” and the more we find out about this horrible disease the more I doubt he has what you would call “Classic Autism”. After receiving his medical records and adding up the thimerisol in all the vaccinations he received, the grand total was approx 250 TIMES the FDA “approved” amount of mercury for a child his size. Unbelievable! Would you volintarily inject yourself with this know carcinogen? How do you not think this know carcinogen which as proven to be a culprit of birth defects is at least somewhat responsible?
The hard facts, the black and white the positive/negative deducement that this causes Autism may never be know, but I believe there is to be a huge link. Do we brush it under the rug? Do we find a better alternative? Or just slap the backs of the parents of children with “Autism” and say sorry about your luck, it’s genetic? Please.
I wonder if the author of this Blog has children? If he does he obviously dodged the “Autism” bullet, buy I am sure you would think at least twice before injecting your newborn with a known killer compound
Kevin – your ignorance regarding autism is palpable. When I refer to ‘classic autism’ I’m referring to Kanners autism. Look it up.
Your argument about the FDA and AMA means nothing to me. I’m sure you’re a big fan of Dr Geier – a man found incapable of being an expert witness on matters concerning vaccines and whose son is employed by a litigation company. Think he takes his marching orders from them?
The author of this blog – me – has 2, soon to be 3 children, one of whom is classically (See above) autistic. She did not get that way from vaccines. You might know that if you’d spent a little more time reading this blog and a little less time frothing incoherently.
I find your description of autism as a ‘bullet’ both misleading and insulting. You are part of the problem that a lot of autistics face when growing up. Try to be respectful of differences.