Why take risk on mercury in vaccines?-Letters

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http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/editorial/14483730.htm Why take risk on mercury in vaccines? The April 18 letter "Don't blame vaccines" contains several incorrect assumptions. HF 1505 was introduced to address serious concerns regarding mercury in vaccines and create further trust in our immunization program by taking steps to ensure vaccines are as safe as possible. The controversy over the safety of thimerosal continues to grow. New scientific studies released in 2005 and 2006 raise additional concerns. Congress even recently passed legislation to look further into CDC vaccine databases and the thimerosal issue. Despite these significant concerns, opponents of the legislation continue using the tactic of attempting to minimize those who want to remove mercury from vaccines. My legislation to get mercury out of vaccines is a reasonable approach, which sets a preference for mercury-free

vaccines but allows for alternatives in cases of shortage or pandemic. While the scientists debate their opposing viewpoints, it's just common sense to err on the side of caution and use mercury-free vaccines whenever possible. Why take the risk? LAURA BROD New Prague The writer is representative for District 25A, assistant majority leader and author of HF 1505, Elimination of Mercury in Vaccines Act. In her letter "Don't blame vaccines," Diane of the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) states: "There is abundant scientific evidence that refutes the notion that the quantities of thimerosal contained in vaccines cause any risk to children's health." This is simply not true. Thimerosal, the 50 percent mercury preservative, has never been tested for safety in vaccines. It was created before the existence of the FDA and grandfathered in. Congress recently

asked for independent investigation of the CDC database used heavily by the Institute of Medicine's 2004 report. Many recent biological and toxicological studies demonstrate that at levels present in vaccines, mercury can damage the brain and immune system. The Thimerosal Material Safety Data Sheet states, "Exposure to mercury in utero and in children may cause mild to severe mental retardation and mild to severe motor coordination impairment." The IAC receives funding from the CDC and 9 pharmaceutical companies. Maybe that's why provides our legislators with distorted science. HEATHER O'BRIEN White Bear Lake The writer testified on the issue before the Health and Finance Committee.

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