Suit Alleges Mercury in Fillings Caused Child's Autism

March 26, 2002

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U.S. National

Suit: Fillings Caused Child's Autism

Thu Mar 21,12:20 AM ET

By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES - The parents of an autistic 6-year-old sued the American Dental

Association on Wednesday, alleging mercury in the mother's nine dental

fillings caused her son's autism.

The lawsuit, for unspecified damages, alleges the toxic element was

transmitted to Galeano through his mother's fillings. Autism is a

developmental disability caused by a neurological disorder.

ADA chief counsel Sfikas said the lawsuit was without merit or

scientific basis. The ADA says mercury in fillings is chemically bound with

metals including silver, copper and tin into a " hard, stable and safe

substance. "

Also named as defendants are the California Dental Association and more than

20 corporations that deal in materials used to produce amalgam fillings,

which are about 50 percent mercury by weight. The lawsuit accuses them of

fraud, negligence and illegal and deceptive business practices.

CDA officials said they wanted to review the lawsuit before responding.

, who lives in Burbank with his mother Kathy, 37, and his father

, has severe autism with symptoms including impaired social and

communication skills, the complaint says.

Mercury is a highly toxic, naturally occurring element that has been

associated with human neurological, reproductive and immune problems.

Lawsuits have been filed against drug companies alleging links between

autism and vaccines containing mercury, but Wednesday's complaint is

believed to be the first to allege a connection between autism and amalgam

fillings, attorneys and scientists familiar with such litigation say.

" I don't know that it's proven, but it's credible, very credible, " said Boyd

Haley, chairman of the chemistry department at the University of Kentucky

and an expert on mercury toxicity. " Mercury is one of the most neurotoxic

compounds known to man. "

Haley said some studies show people with amalgam fillings have four to five

times as much mercury in their blood and urine as people without such

fillings.

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