Mercury is linked to autism, claims father (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Mercury is linked to autism, claims father

VACCINES which contain mercury may have triggered autism in children, a Cirencester father has claimed.

Dave Launchbury, of Elphick Road, Stratton, whose eight-year-old daughter Lucy suffers from autism, is supporting new findings which were publicised at a conference about the condition.

The findings claim that the compound mercury is used as a preservative in at least six vaccines, including the jab DTP (dyptheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)).

Researchers at the conference alleged that DTP, which is given to babies in the first four months after birth, is a highly dangerous triple shot of mercury that can cause neurological damage.

They also claimed that autism is triggered later when babies have the jab MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), even though it does not contain mercury, because the immune system has been weakened by the earlier jabs.

Mr Launchbury, who is secretary of the Cheltenham-based MMR Research Trust, is currently suing MMR manufacturer Aventispasteur MSD Ltd.

He told the Standard: "I've often said that the use of mercury in vaccinations shouldn't be there at all. It triggers autism.

"Why is the government so hell bent on saying that there is nothing wrong with the vaccinations when we all know that there are health and safety issues?

"The government is more interested in money."

Mr Launchbury added that he would like to see mercury taken out of vaccines, a move already forging ahead in the United States, if it means safer jabs for children.

Tony Bateson, a trustee from the MMR Research Trust, said a further important find was found at the conference.

"It has been discovered that more boys than girls contract autism.

"The findings show that baby boys have enhanced testosterone.

"Mercury interacts with the testosterone making a chemical cocktail causing even more neurological damage."

A spokesman for the Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust said: "The PCT fully recognises the importance of research and its prospects for improving the life experiences of children with autism.

"However, the latest guidance from the chief medical officer states that the apparent rise in the incidence of autism in recent years has not been matched by any exposure to thiomersal (mercury compound) from vaccines in the UK and that there is no evidence of any link between thiomersal exposure and autism."