A previously unreleased confidential report from the US Centers for Disease Control reported that an exposure to more than 62.5 micrograms of mercury within the first three months of life more than doubled a child's risk of developing autism. The US legal firm Waters & Kraus, who were representing many families in a class action, indicated that in many of the cases the firm evaluated, the affected child had received more than 62.5 micrograms of mercury through paediatric vaccines in the first three months of life.

A public version of the report released at the time suggested that its findings were inconclusive on the issue of whether the mercury-based vaccine preservative thimerosal had contributed to the US's epidemic of regressive autism and other neurological disorders in small children.

Ed.- In 2000, Sally Bernard and colleagues (Autism: A unique type of mercury poisoning) linked the mercury-based preservative thimerosal (ethyl mercury thiosalicylic acid) not only to autism but to related syndromes such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thimerosal is used widely as a preservative in vaccines, antitoxins, tuberculin tests and desensitisation solutions. It may also be found in soap-free cleansers, nose, eye, and ear drops, eye ointments, topical medications, antiseptic sprays, cosmetics (including makeup removers, eye moisturisers, and mascaras) and cleaning fluids for contact lenses.

UK regulators have recommended phasing out its use in vaccines.

The research study may be viewed at: www.cureautismnow.org

For further information write to Sally Bernard, Safe Minds, 14 Commerce Drive, PH Cranford, NJ 07016, USA