Evidence
of Harm
Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic
A Medical Controversy
by
David Kirby
$14.95
Softcover
- 491 pages
In
the 1990s, autism in American children began spiking, from 1 in 10,000
in 1987 to a shocking 1 in 166 today. In this period, two series of
shots containing a mercury-based preservative called Thimerosal were
added to the nation's already crowded vaccination schedule. Some parents
suddenly noticed their healthy children descending into silent, disturbed,
and physically ill autism soon after receiving vaccinations. Ignored
or dismissed by the FDA and the CDC, they discovered that children were
being exposed to mercury at very young ages—even
before birth—at levels far exceeding federal regulations.
Evidence
of Harm explores both sides of this controversy, which has pitted
families against the federal government, public health agencies, doctors
and researchers, and powerful pharmaceutical giants. This disturbing,
important book examines both the personal stories of families and the
unfolding political drama in the courts and halls of Congress.
An
engrossing David and Goliath story... This is the book for concerned parents
to read. It's accessible in its handling of medical topics and compelling
in its recounting of the parents' fight.
—Publishers
Weekly (starred review)
Read
this book! Kirby's superb, even-handed account is fascinating and compelling.
—Dr.
Bernard Rimland,
Director of the Autism Research Institute
and founder of the Autism Society of America
Well-researched...
This is an issue that will not go away.
—Financial
Times
Kirby
does an admirable job of clarifying most of the scientific background.
He makes the unassailable point that American health agencies lagged in
calculating the amount of mercury being injected into babies.
—The
New York Times book Review
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