Roundup/Glyphosate Causes Autism(?) – MB Man Investigates

Last night while browsing twitter, I happened across this tweet from Vandana Shiva.

Which is linked to this page:

http://m.journal-neo.org/2015/01/26/mit-states-that-half-of-all-children-may-be-autistic-by-2025/

Needless to say, my potential bullshit detector went off the charts.

Reactions on twitter seemed to range from “Oh my God!” to “If this is true, than this is really messed up!”. But (as of last time I checked) no one seems to have seeked any outside information.

Which is fine since, that’s where I come in!

Let us begin our journey. Starting with the article itself.

Dr. Stephanie Seneff, who made these remarks during a panel presentation in Groton, MA last week, specifically cites the Monsanto herbicide, Roundup, as the culprit for the escalating incidence of autism and other neurological disorders. Roundup, which was introduced in the 1970’s, contains the chemical glyphosate, which is the focal point for Seneff’s concerns. Roundup was originally restricted to use on weeds, as glyphosate kills plants. However, Roundup is now in regular use with crops. With the coming of GMO’s, plants such as soy and corn were bioengineered to tolerate glyphosate, and its use dramatically increased. From 2001 to 2007, glyphosate use doubled, reaching 180 to 185 million pounds in the U.S. alone in 2007.

This gives us 2 starting points. First off, who is this Stephanie Seneff. And 2ed, is the obvious (is this legitimate science?)

1.) When it comes to Stephanie’s credentials, there are problems (BIG SURPRISE!).

Seneff, it turns out, is an MIT scientist, but she is not a scientist with any expertise in autism, epidemiology, or, for that matter, any relevant scientific discipline that would give her the background knowledge and skill set to take on analyzing the epidemiological literature regarding autism. Indeed, she is in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT, and herweb page there describes her thusly:

Stephanie Seneff is a Senior Research Scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. She received the B.S. degree in Biophysics in 1968, the M.S. and E.E. degrees in Electrical Engineering in 1980, and the Ph.D degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 1985, all from MIT. For over three decades, her research interests have always been at the intersection of biology and computation: developing a computational model for the human auditory system, understanding human language so as to develop algorithms and systems for human computer interactions, as well as applying natural language processing (NLP) techniques to gene predictions. She has published over 170 refereed articles on these subjects, and has been invited to give keynote speeches at several international conferences. She has also supervised numerous Master’s and PhD theses at MIT. In 2012, Dr. Seneff was elected Fellow of the International Speech and Communication Association (ISCA).

In recent years, Dr. Seneff has focused her research interests back towards biology. She is concentrating mainly on the relationship between nutrition and health. Since 2011, she has written over a dozen papers (7 as first author) in various medical and health-related journals on topics such as modern day diseases (e.g., Alzheimer, autism, cardiovascular diseases), analysis and search of databases of drug side effects using NLP techniques, and the impact of nutritional deficiencies and environmental toxins on human health.

So what we have here is a computer scientist interested in artificial intelligence who thinks she can switch her expertise to medicine, biology, and epidemiology. Let’s just put it this way. An undergraduate degree in biophysics in 1968 does not qualify one to do this sort of research, and, as I discussed in her foray into autism and vaccine epidemiology, it really does show. Badly. The paper was so embarrassingly incompetent that I’m surprised any journal was willing to publish it.

http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2014/12/31/oh-no-gmos-are-going-to-make-everyone-autistic/

Off to a good start, aren’t we!

2.) The previous link is a goldmine, as they to have fact checked this hypothesis. And (big surprise), found issues.

I must admit, when I clicked on the link to the “correlation,” I couldn’t stop laughing. It was one of the most hilarious examples of confusing correlation with causation that I’ve ever seen.

Take a look:

As I’ve pointed out time and time again, if you look at two different variables that have shown an increase with time, you can almost always make it look as though there’s a correlation. Only occasionally does that correlation equal causation. 

The next part is important for both believers of the Roundup/Glyphosate myth and the vaccines leading to autism myth.

It was that claim that the “autism epidemic” began (i.e., autism prevalence started increasing dramatically) beginning in the early to mid-1990s and that that correlated with an expansion of the vaccines in the vaccine schedule or, in the US, that it correlated with the addition of mercury-containing vaccines to the vaccine schedule. From these observations, it was claimed, that it had to be the vaccines, or the mercury-containing preservative thimerosal used at the time in some childhood vaccines, that was causing autism. Lots and lots of epidemiology since then has confirmed that there is no detectable link, epidemiology that I’ve written about time and time again, but that hasn’t stopped the antivaccine movement. What the increase in autism prevalence corresponds to is really the expansion of diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders that occurred in the early 1990s as well as increased screening for the condition, which, as I’ve pointed out, will alwaysincrease the prevalence of any condition.

One thing I like to do to demonstrate how correlation usually does not equal causation, particularly for looking at things like vaccines and autism, is to point out other things that have increased dramatically since the early 1990s or before. For example, in 1990 cell phone use was generally reserved for the few who could afford it, given the expense, who lived in cities where cell phone networks were available. In the 25 years since then, cell phone use has gone from uncommon to ubiquitous, where almost everyone has a cell phone, over half of which are smart phones. Why don’t cell phones cause autism? Obviously, it’s because babies don’t use cell phones, but there is a strong correlation between cell phone use in the population and autism. What about Internet use? Back in 1990, you accessed the online services using Compuserve or AOL. In the early 1990s, particularly after 1994 when Netscape was introduced, more and more people used the Internet. Why doesn’t Internet use cause autism?

And now for my favorite part. 🙂

Or, better yet, why doesn’t organic food cause autism:

Obviously, this evidence is just as strong that organic food must be responsible for the autism “epidemic” as Seneff’s “evidence” that GMOs.

Actually, it’s not the GMOs per se that Seneffseems to be blaming here, but rather the glyphosate, which is the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup:

Dr. Seneff noted the ubiquity of glyphosate’s use. Because it is used on corn and soy, all soft drinks and candies sweetened with corn syrup and all chips and cereals that contain soy fillers have small amounts of glyphosate in them, as do our beef and poultry since cattle and chicken are fed GMO corn or soy. Wheat is often sprayed with Roundup just prior to being harvested, which means that all non-organic bread and wheat products would also be sources of glyphosate toxicity. The amount of glyphosate in each product may not be large, but the cumulative effect (especially with as much processed food as Americans eat) could be devastating. A recent study shows that pregnant women living near farms where pesticides are applied have a 60% increased risk of children having an autism spectrum disorder.

Note that I discussed that study before. It’s total crap.

Here is the study referenced:

http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2014/06/25/pesticide-exposure-during-pregnancy-increases-autism-risk-in-the-child-not-so-fast/

I thank David Gorski (blog pen name Orac) for all of that helpful data.
But because I like to be thorough, I will confirm this elsewhere as well.

Steven Novella (mentioned by the previous author) has a page on the subject as well. Which covers both the hypothesis mentioned and some other details not relevant here, but relevant to other pieces I have written.

As pesticides go, glyphosate has very low toxicity, and any dose a person is likely to get exposed to is well below the safety limits. A 2012 review looking specifically at reproductive and developmental effects found:

In conclusion, the available literature shows no solid evidence linking glyphosate exposure to adverse developmental or reproductive effects at environmentally realistic exposure concentrations.

This includes exposure of farm workers spraying glyphosate, as the chemical is very poorly absorbed through the skin.

This is applicable to both Monsanto Cancer Lawsuits and Monsanto Taken To Court Over Crimes Against Humanity.

As for the Roundup/glyphosate autism connection:

In short, there is no evidence for any significant glyphosate toxicity. It breaks down quickly in soil, and can get into ground water, but environmental levels are orders of magnitude lower than accepted safety limits.
The current article spreading fears about glyphosate cites the work of Stephanie Seneff, making a clear argument from authority:

For over three decades, Stephanie Seneff, PhD, has researched biology and technology, over the years publishing over 170 scholarly peer-reviewed articles. In recent years she has concentrated on the relationship between nutrition and health, tackling such topics as Alzheimer’s, autism, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the impact of nutritional deficiencies and environmental toxins on human health.

Seneff, however, has not actually performed any research into glyphosate. She is “a Senior Research Scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.” She is also an anti-GMO activist. That does not mean she is wrong – it just means it is misleading to cite her as a researcher and authority. She has published only speculations and gives many presentations, but has not created any new data.

The dramatic claim she is currently making, the one prompting many scary headlines, is that “Half of All Children Will Be Autistic by 2025.” This is not based on any new research. It is simply a naïve extrapolation of current trends indefinitely into the future – which is always dubious. Seneff is also naively equating correlation with causation.

Otherwise known as, typical quack science from a reactionary anti-GMO dimwit.

She also has found a connection between gluten sensitivity and glyphosate.

She makes further claims based purely on correlation as well, including blaming glyphosate for celiac and gluten sensitivity.

The article also repeats a common anti-GMO claim, that wheat in the US is routinely sprayed with glyphosate just prior to harvest. There is never any source given for this claim, and a careful investigation reveals that it is untrue.

I am satisfied.

Having barely scratched the surface and come face to face with a steaming pile of horseshit, I am confident in assessing this whole glyphosate/autism connection as a load of horseshit.

And I am also confident in labeling both Stephanie Seneff and Vandana Shiva as biased, lying hacks that are pathetic for promoting this garbage research to the ignorant.

As for the article that initiated my journey:

If you don’t consume corn- on- the -cob or toasted soybeans, however, you are hardly exempt from the potential affects of consuming glyphosate. Wheat is now sprayed with Roundup right before it is harvested, making any consumption of non- organic wheat bread a sure source for the chemical. In addition, any products containing corn syrup, such as soft drinks, are also carrying a payload of glyphosate.

According to studies cited by Seneff, glyphosate engages “gut bacteria” in a process known as the shikimate pathway. This enables the chemical to interfere with the biochemistry of bacteria in our GI tract, resulting in the depletion of essential amino acids .

While it makes a great ad for the organic industry, that is about all this is good for.

For one thing, the Snopes article utilized earlier debunks the claim of the claim of the glyphosate soaked wheat. As for the other, this stuff does not interact with your gut bacteria, because its not designed to. While the long scientific terms are unfamiliar (but available in both articles above!), I understand enough to know that the pathways affected by ghyphosate agents are only in plants.
We come back to what is defined as harmless. While it IS a chemical that should not be labeled harmless as compared to (say) water, its a whole lot better than . . . . ANYTHING it replaced.

This article is nothing but fear mongering organic promoting trash. And Vandana Shiva (and others like her) are nothing but fear mongering quacks for promoting this dreck.

Though I am not actively a member of the academic community, even I admit that having such people as these labeled as scholars brings shame to the institutions therein.

Mandate Mandatory Vaccination – Fuck Your “Freedom”

A recent episode of the drunken peasants covered a video put out by someone who calls herself “The Patriot Nurse”, which was covering her opinion towards vaccination.

I looked this women up, she is apparently quite popular in some circles as she has a website of her own and her youtube channel is verified. She is also a doomsday preper, with many videos on how to stock up (on a budget!) for WTSHTF (when the shit hits the fan). Big surprise.

Though I could not find the original (utilized on DP), this is a response to the one above.

Her first argument against vaccination is the mercury and/or aluminum within them. Of Course. Mercury I covered HERE already.
I did not cover aluminum in vaccines but the FDA , NIH ,  and immunize.ca (I assume a branch of Health Canada) don’t raise many alarms about its presence.

You don’t believe such government sources and think they are in on some sort of conspiracy to deceive us all? Well then fuck off and go read something else. I deal in facts, which entails utilizing legitimate sources.

Moving on, she goes into her concerns about the vaccine schedule and the sheer number of vaccinations that one is supposed to give a baby. I have also heard Bill Maher raise this objection before (“Are these vaccines stressing the immune systems of children?”).

First I will give you the CDC’s take on the issue:

Vaccination begins at birth with hepatitis B vaccine because giving that vaccine early is the best way to start immediate protection against a hepatitis B infection. Infants who are infected at birth can develop serious liver disease – which can lead to death – when they are adults. A woman who has hepatitis B can pass the virus to her newborn during childbirth. Unfortunately, many people with the hepatitis B virus do not know they have it because they do not have symptoms, but they can still spread the virus. Starting vaccination at birth provides protection from a hepatitis infection that can happen later in childhood or adulthood.

Although children continue to get several vaccines up to their second birthday, these vaccines do not overload the immune system. Every day, your healthy baby’s immune system successfully fights off millions of antigens-the parts of germs that cause the body’s immune system to respond. The antigens in vaccines come from weakened or killed germs so they cannot cause serious illness. Vaccines contain only a tiny amount of the antigens that your baby encounters every day, even if your child receives several vaccines in one day.

Heres a bit more from an organization in the UK, the NHS .

4. It’s a MYTH that vaccinations can overload a baby’s immune system. In fact, only a tiny fraction of your baby’s immune system is used by childhood vaccines, and they come into far more bugs in their daily life. This video explains why vaccines don’t weaken your child’s immune system.

They also have this (since were on the topic of pseudoscience again):

4. It’s a MYTH that homeopathy can be used as an alternative to vaccinations to protect children against potentially serious infections. In fact, there’s no evidence that homeopathy can protect children against disease and illnesses.

Thats right folks.

Taking a pill that has the diluted presence or “memory” of a given antigen, is about as usful as praying and hoping that your child never gets sick with measles, whooping cough or any other vaccine prevented disease.

Another interesting mention (though not from an official government source) is this article published on livescience.com  on how a mothers anxiety during pregnancy may surpress a babies immune system (which could cause problems with how their bodies react to vaccination).

The next point (well, claim) that “The Patriot Nurse” makes is that a mothers milk is all the protection that a baby needs. The idea being that anything that the child is exposed to, the mother will also be exposed to. The antibodies that the mother generates will then be passed onto the child.

As it turns out, this is partly true. As illustrated by this vaccine information site out of the European Union:

 During pregnancy, antibodies are transferred from mother to child. Further immune factors are received through breast milk, particularly in the early months of life. This maternal protection is a crucial support for the infant immune system during its development – but it does not cover everything.

Mothers can pass on antibodies against diseases she herself has had in the past or those against which she has been vaccinated. Because antibodies are quickly degraded, the child is left without protection from 6-12 months after birth and also shortly after their mother discontinuesbreastfeeding.

Also, antibodies against certain infectious – like whooping cough, for example – are not transferrable so the baby cannot depend on maternal antibodies for protection in all cases. Premature babies are particularly vulnerable as their immune systems are not well developed and they are less likely to have benefited from passive protection. Vaccines can be particularly beneficial for premature births.

Passive immunity (from maternal antibodies) and vaccinations can complement one another. Children who are breastfed suffer less frequently from severe meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria, and also produce more protective antibodies against these bacteria after receiving a Hib vaccine.

There’s no need to choose between natural immunity and vaccine-induced protection. Both is best.

But as advised, both is best.

She then goes on into a speech about how as a nurse “You take an oath that you will do no harm”, and how this applies to her because of “the risk of the vaccines” (and of course how she will not get your children vaccinated on account to said risks).
She then goes on about how vaccination should be a “choice” (as if it is not already in most places), and how she advocates for an “imformed public” when it comes to Vaccination (HAHAHAHA!!! Informed!! FUCK ME, I nearly fell off my high horse!).

And then she goes into how she wants parents to make decisions “That are helpful to their lives and their families”. What a joke.

I am not surprised that The Patriot MORON displays about as much medical credibility as Dr Oz at this point. I didn’t expect much different from someone who uses “patriot” in their name.

These people that think this way . . . first of all, just fuck off and go FAR FAR from civilization. Take your backwards ideals and go where your ignorant stupidity will not harm anyone else but yourselves. And as for your children, I really hope for the best for them. Should one of them get sick with some nasty illness that is vaccine preventable and survive, I hope they hate your ignorant ass for the rest of their life.

I have the freedom to do many things in the “free” world. But I do not have the “freedom” to do such things as, drive my car into crowded buildings or cause major accidents on busy roadways. We are free to do many things, but we are not free to harm other people.

I will liken this to deciding to drive drunk down an interstate with your family in car. Many will see it as their choice to drive, and no one else should have a say. Well, that is horse shit, because the moment you access a publicly utilized roadway, you become a common threat. And the moment your children (or anyone else!) steps into that vehicle with you, you become a common threat.

If you choose to do something stupid on your own property which puts no one else but yourself in danger, then that is your prerogative. But in the public domain, your a threat beyond yourself.

As far as I am concerned, these anti-vaxxer assholes are doing the same thing as drunk drivers, only the ramifications of their actions could end up measuring on a much larger scale. One infected person introducing an illness into an un-vaccinated oasis of a city or town could infect hundreds, or thousands.

Not to mention, the children. Often times they will be the ones that will pay for their parents stupidity (one hopes not with their life).

So why is it not child abuse to not vaccinate children?

Why is this not on par with “praying” the cancer away, or utilizing homeopathic (or other “alternative” medicine) methods?

When it comes to vaccination, I don’t care what your ignorant ass thinks or “has concluded” on the subject. You do not have the “freedom” to put masses of people in harms way in any other context, so why do you think you do when it comes to highly infectious diseases?

Fuck your freedom.Mandate vaccination of all children.

Were in the 21st century.  Why the fuck are we giving credence to people who apparently would love nothing more then to be back in the dark ages?

Thiomersal In Vaccines

I have heard about mercury in vaccines before, but mostly from the anti-vaxxer side. As such I didn’t give it all that much thought. That is, until it was brought to my attention by last weeks episode of Real Time With Bill Maher. Above is a short exert of the interview that tells us all we need to know to begin.

Robert Kennedy claims to be not an anti-vaxxer, and I believe it. But I am frankly unsure about the rest of the claims. In the comment section, people seem to range from disbelieving to flat out opposed (sometimes with explanations). So its time to do some digging.

Thiomersal is commonly known as thimerosal in the US. According the the WHO the compound also goes by the names mercurothiolate and sodium 2-ethylmercuriothio-benzoate, and is primarily to prevent fungal and bacterial growth in vaccines in while in storage (or opened, if in multi-dose vials). It is also used to maintain a sterile vaccine production line, and sometimes to inactivate certain organisms or toxins. Its been utilized in the manufacture of vaccines and some other medical products since the 1930s.

The next part I will just let the WHO do the explaining.

Do all vaccines contain thiomersal?

Many licensed vaccines do not contain thiomersal. Such vaccines include vaccines in single-dose presentation or vaccines for which thiomersal would interfere with vaccine efficacy such as live vaccines including MMR, oral and inactivated polio, yellow fever, and BCG vaccine. These vaccines, however, when in multi-dose presentations, have to be discarded at the end of the immunization session. Other vaccines may contain trace amounts of thiomersal (<0.5 µg per dose), if the preservative has been used in the production process, but has not been added to the final product. A third group of vaccines have thiomersal added in varying concentrations (10 to 50 µg per dose) as a preservative to prevent contamination with microorganisms when formulated in multi-dose vials. Such vaccines include vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP), diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (DT), tetanus toxoid (TT), hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and influenza.

Can vaccines be made thiomersal free?

Any change in the formulation of a licensed vaccine, including changes to the thiomersal content, may have an impact on the quality, safety and efficacy of vaccines and further trials are likely to be required before the reformulated product can be licensed. Replacing thiomersal with a different inactivating agent and/or preservative during the production process and/or in the final product, will require a new licensing process with a series of preclinical and clinical trials to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine. For vaccines used in multi-dose formulations thiomersal offers better protection from contamination than other preservatives such as 2-phenoxy ethanol.

What is 2-phenoxy ethanol? According to the NIH it is another preservative, mostly utilized in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (though it is utilized in some vaccines).

Apparently the necessity of having the preservative thiomersal in many vaccines (to prevent microbial and fungal growth in multi-dose vials) could be reduced or eliminated by a switch to only single dose vials. However, this would require a huge increase in the amount of cold storage space required to store the vaccines as well as increased logistical costs across the board (factors that the vast majority of nations can not easily accommodate).

And now, the important stuff.

Is thiomersal the same as methyl mercury?

No, there are several forms of mercury occurring in the environment, however by far the most common organic mercury compound is methyl mercury. The main hazard for methyl mercury is its ability to accumulate in the body and to remain there for a long time. The exposure to this naturally-occurring compound and its toxic effects on humans have been well studied. As most humans are exposed to mercury in some form, WHO and some national regulatory authorities defined safe levels for exposure to mercury and the values reflect exposure mainly to methyl mercury. Thiomersal contains a different form of mercury i.e. ethyl mercury which does not accumulate and is metabolized and removed from the body much faster than is methyl mercury.

Why are some countries withdrawing thiomersal if there is no risk?

Some national public health authorities are striving to replace thiomersal-containing vaccines as a precautionary measure. There is currently no evidence of toxicity from mercury contained in vaccines. There are only a few tested, efficacious and safe alternatives to thiomersal-containing vaccines. Current production capacity for such vaccines is limited and insufficient to cover global needs.

First of all, methyl mercury verses ethyl mercury.

I had not previously heard of the dual mercury terms,  just “mercury” (along with its status as a horrible biomagnifier, and advice to limit my fish intake on account to it). I also suspect that this is where a lot of the vaccine fears stem from.

But moving on, methyl mercury is bad. To borrow from the USGS (link above):

Methylmercury – “Methylmercury (MeHg), one organic form of Hg, can accumulate up the food chain in aquatic systems and lead to high concentrations of MeHg in predatory fish, which, when consumed by humans, can result in an increased risk of adverse effects in highly exposed or sensitive populations. Consumption of contaminated fish is the major source of human exposure to MeHg in the United States.” – National Research Council, 2000

As for eythyl mercury, most sources refer to it as thimerosal. And all for the most part say the same thing.

The CDC:

Is thimerosal safe for people?

• Yes. Thimerosal has been used safely in vaccines for a long time (since the 1930s) and has a proven track record of being safe. A variety of scientists have been studying the use of vaccines that have thimerosal in them for many years. They haven’t found any actual evidence that thimerosal causes harm.

Why was thimerosal removed from vaccines given to children?

• Although no evidence suggests that there are safety concerns with thimerosal, vaccine manufacturers have stopped using it as a precautionary measure.The only vaccine that still includes thimerosal as a preservative is the multi-dose inactivated influenza vaccine. There are other formulations of flu vaccine that do not include thimerosal.
• In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was required by law to assess the amount of mercury in all the products the agency oversees, not just vaccines. The U.S. Public Health Service decided that as much mercury as possible should be removed from vaccines, and thimerosal was the only source of mercury in vaccines.
• The decision to remove it was a made as a precautionary measure to decrease overall exposure to mercury among young infants.
• Thimerosal was removed from all childhood vaccines in 2001 with the exception of inactivated flu vaccine in multi-dose vials. However, thimerosal has been removed from all single-dose preparations of flu vaccine for children and adults. There has never been thimerosal in live attenuated flu vaccine or recombinant flu vaccine. No acceptable alternative preservative has yet been identified for multi-dose flu vaccine vials.

From the NIH, there are 2 pages of interest. First is an overview of a study preformed with monkeys:

Since the 1930s, vaccines have contained thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that breaks down to ethylmercury and thiosalicylate in the body. By some calculations, children given the usual schedule of vaccines containing thimerosal receive ethylmercury in doses exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines for methylmercury, a known neurotoxicant. Because of the lack of pharmacokinetic and toxicity data for ethylmercury, methylmercury has been used as a reference for ethylmercury toxicity based on the assumption that the two compounds share similar toxicokinetic profiles. However, a new animal study shows that methylmercury is an inadequate reference for ethylmercury due to significant differences in tissue distribution, clearance rates, and ratios of organic to inorganic mercury in the brain [EHP 113:1015–1021].

Though I recommend the readers of this post to follow all links I make (always in these types of posts! One should never take a non-expert of ANY subject at face value!), I highly recommend following up this one. It goes in depth, and shows the risks in equating the 2 types of mercury as one and the same.

And because it may come up, you will also find what follows in the above link:

The researchers emphasize, however, that the risks associated with low-level exposures to inorganic mercury in the developing brain are unknown, and they describe other research linking persistent inorganic mercury exposure with increased activation of microglia in the brain, an effect recently reported in children with autism. They recommend further research focused specifically on the biotransformation of thimerosal and its neurotoxic potential.

Note that this is not confirmation. It is just an admission that there is a lack of data, and a recommendation of further study to fill in the blank. No data is not negative data.

The NIH also has this out on the toxicity of ethyl mercury:

Ethylmercury (etHg) is derived from the metabolism of thimerosal (o-carboxyphenyl-thio-ethyl-sodium salt), which is the most widely used form of organic mercury. Because of its application as a vaccine preservative, almost every human and animal (domestic and farmed) that has been immunized with thimerosal-containing vaccines has been exposed to etHg. Although methylmercury (meHg) is considered a hazardous substance that is to be avoided even at small levels when consumed in foods such as seafood and rice (in Asia), the World Health Organization considers small doses of thimerosal safe regardless of multiple/repetitive exposures to vaccines that are predominantly taken during pregnancy or infancy.

EtHg’s toxicity profile is different from that of meHg, leading to different exposure and toxicity risks. Therefore, in real-life scenarios, a simultaneous exposure to both etHg and meHg might result in enhanced neurotoxic effects in developing mammals. However, our knowledge on this subject is still incomplete, and studies are required to address the predictability of the additive or synergic toxicological effects of etHg and meHg (or other neurotoxicants).

Again, note “knowledge is incomplete”, NOT “ethyl mercury is a proven intoxicant”.

And now, the EPA (a PDF):

It has been suggested that there may be neurological effects of ethylmercury exposure from use of thimerosal in vaccines, though studies have reported conflicting results (21-26). Ethylmercury exposure from thimerosal in some vaccines has been associated, in some studies (27-33) and not others (34-40), with autism and other neurological disorders in children. Several scientific and public policy review committees carefully evaluated the data and concluded that there was not sufficient evidence of a link between autism and thimerosal in vaccines (10, 23, 24, 41). In fact, the Institute of Medicine’s 2004 evaluation included an even stronger statement that rejected the idea that thimerosal-containing vaccines cause autism, concluding that “…epidemiological evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism” (16, 24). Weighing available information with public health concerns, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Public Health Service recommended that thimerosal be phased out of vaccines beginning in 1999 (23) (see Considerations for Decision-Makers in this Chemical Summary). Currently all routinely recommended vaccines for infants in the U.S. (except for inactivated influenza flu vaccines) are available as thimerosal-free preparations, or contain trace (very small) amounts of thimerosal (less than 1 μg mercury/dose)

http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/UCM096228

Note that the cited link above was in the EPA’s PDF.

So, from this little exercise, I have learned a few things.

That there are 2 different types of mercury, not just one “Evil” substance as I was previously led to believe (note that Robert Kennedy failed to make note of that). There is a difference in how the human body deals with both types of mercury, so viewing them as having the same effects is flat out wrong.

One thing I can not say I did was entirely refute Robert Kennedy’s whole argument (in terms of all concerns noted in the interview). I did the best I could, utilizing only the various alphabetical agencies of the US Government and the World Health Organization as sources.

But Kennedy has in the interview made the claim that the vaccine industry has bought off the CDC. While that is a claim that should be taken into consideration, it is a quite extraordinary claim, requiring extraordinary evidence to back it up (to borrow the language of an Atheist). Without the evidence, it is nothing more then conspiratorial assertion.

As interesting as the conversation with Bill was to listen to, he did not provide the evidence. And I suspect Bill knew it to.

Dammit Bill. Your already falsely perceived as an anti-vaxxer due to your unorthodox views on the subject. This interview certainly is not going to help with that image.

Yes, your progressive liberal detractors often make false assumptions based on misunderstandings of your positions. But interviews like this, only makes it worse! Even I was scratching my head!

Parents Trying To Reverse Kids’ Autism By ‘Flushing Out’ Vaccines With Bogus ‘Miracle’ Bleach Enemas

This morning browsing facebook I came across THIS article sourced from Raw Story. From the article:

Parents seeking help with children with autism are turning to a “miracle” cure that involves giving the children enemas, using a dangerous industrial solution used for bleaching wood pulp.

According to If You Only News, parents have turned to Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), containing sodium chlorite which is mixed with citric acid (i.e. orange juice) to make chlorine dioxide. According to the promoters, the solution, which can be taken orally or administered via an enema, can cure HIV, malaria, hepatitis, autism, acne, and cancer.

Miracle Mineral Solution is the brainchild of Jim Humble, who quit the Church of Scientology to form the Genesis II Church of Health & Healing in order to promote his “miracle” cure in Africa and Mexico.

One comment I will make at this point, is that I can not describe what reading this makes me want to do to this James Humble fellow. Because its almost certain to be illegal under Canadian speech laws.

The Food and Drug Administration disagrees with Humble’s claims and has posted a warning on their website calling the product “dangerous” and “potentially life threatening,” advising “drinking the amount recommended on product labels can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms of severe dehydration.”

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency warns that chronic exposure to small doses of chlorine dioxide could result in reproductive and neurodevelopmental damage, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued guidance in the use of chlorine dioxide in the workplace.

It should NOT amaze me that the FDA and the EPA have to explicitly tell people NOT to make their children drink nor pour industrial strength bleaching agents up their childrens asses. But it does.

Kerri Rivera, founder of the website CD Autism (“Autism: Avoidable. Treatable. Curable.”) which promotes MMS, claims that autism is caused by yeast, parasites, viruses, and vaccines that can be flushed from the body.

On her Facebook page, Rivera — who identifies herself as a biomedical consultant and certified homeopath – keeps a running total of parents who have contacted her, saying MMS has “cured” their children of autism.

You are a garbage human being.

One parent wrote: “I just wanted to tell you great news we have received yesterday from bioresonance diagnostic treatment. We went there actually for the first time, just to check how we have improved with CD, which my 6 years old son has been using it for a year and a half now, and she said: I don’t know what’re doing but just keep doing what you’re doing, because you’re doing GREAT! She couldn’t find viruses, bacteria, parasites, yeast; his body has been cleaned a lot, also from heavy metals, she did saw a virus of measles inside in the intestine, that’s because of the vaccines he got we will try to treat that now and of course not stopping CD and parasite protocol. We are starting also with GcMAF in October and can’t wait! We are really happy.”

Other parents report that they are still continuing treatments despite extreme vomiting, kicking, and hysterics when enemas are being administered.

Here is a useful task for the NSA’s surveillance abilities. Track down every one of these fucktarded parents identities, then pass the case over to the FBI so they can work with CPS to take away the children. And charge these stupid fucking parents with negligence causing bodily harm, or with whatever the worst charge you can possibly bring against a person  is in this case.

Again, I can think of an “alternative” form of punishment. But I can not say it.

Despite Facebook tales of success, the Autism Science Foundation warns against online claims of cures that have not undergone rigorous clinical studies.

“It is important to remember that anyone can start a journal or post a study on the Internet to tout the efficacy of dangerous or useless interventions,” ASF explains. “Healthcare fraud is a huge business in the US, and parents of children with autism are often targeted. Fringe treatment providers prey on desperation and fear, and deceive parents with numerous unfounded claims.”

These people are unbelievable.

Vaccination – There Is NO Debate!

http://m.democracynow.org/stories/14978

I begin this piece by first showing my contempt (yet again) for the antics of the progressive journalism.

This time I have no real issue with the article itself, which seems to be an overview of the beliefs of many lawmakers on the subject of vaccinations.
What is more bothersome to me, was the headline posted to facebook by the outlet. Asking commenters to tell the world what side of the “debate” they are on.

It could be said that it is a fair question. And its certainly a great way to ignite a fiery discussion, and get traffic into the article. But it bugs me because it seems to give legitimacy to the conclusion that there is actually a debate. Which is frankly, stupid.

Its akin to the “debate” between the climate deniers and the rest of the informed populace. On one side you have the vast majority of scientists and most everyone else with even a fraction of intellect. An on the other, you have the paid shrills and the morons.

There is really no difference in the vaccination “debate”. On one side you have the vast majority of the medical community, scientists and pretty much anyone else with an once of intelligence.
And on the other you have people like Jenny McCarthy. Having her son diagnosed with autism back in 2005, she linked the disorder to vaccinations that her son had received and became an outspoken advocate for quote “safe vaccines”. That is the angle that she seems to be playing up recently anyway.

She is not the only one in this movement. It has attracted many including some former doctors and other big names in pop culture. Even one of my favourite intelligent comedians Bill Maher managed to insert himself into into this group by voicing criticism to the necessity of annual influenza inoculations. A claim that interestingly may have been proven after recent studies showed the rate of non-infection after inoculation to be around 20%. Do what you want with this claim.

But either way, whether the movement was going more in the direction of “SAFE” vaccines or none at all, many in the public have drank the Koolaid as dished out by such big names as MacCarthy.

Even though we for the most part eradicated the indigenous forms of measles from North/Central/South America, anti-vaccination views have left many susceptible to the disease coming in from international sources.
And being human nature tends to bring groups of like minded individuals together, these diseases can often end up running rampant within close knit communities such as towns and suburbs. All it takes is one person to introduce the virus to kick off a cluster of illness.

And one of the worst parts about this whole situation, is that many affected have a tendency to be children. Adults may or may not have been vaccinated by parents, but they have the say on if their children get vaccinated. And as recent illnesses have demonstrated, many have listened to the anti-vaccine movement and NOT gotten children the proper inoculations.

To be perfectly honest, in my mind, refusing to have children vaccinated should be considered a form of child abuse. Just as religious beliefs should not be taken into consideration if the child’s life is in danger, neither should the non-scientific views of parents.

Recently it seems that Jenny MacCarthy has been back peddling on her stance as the poster-child of the anti-vaxxer movement by becoming “pro-vaccination”. Whether this is out of genuine knowledge gained or trying to recover a tattered public image, its to late either way. The damage is done. “Misunderstood” or not, people have died.

So my take is, for the love of GOD, GET VACCINATED!! There is NO reason for diseases that should have been eradicated to run rampant in modern society.