Thimerosal

Thimerosal is a preservative used to keep contamination out of many medicines and vaccines. It was used in RhoGAM prior to April of 2001 and contains ethylmercury as its acting component. Ethylmercury, when used in appropriate dosages, has not been proven to have dangerous side effects, but because of recent studies on the health effects of methylmercury by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is approaching ethylmercury with caution.

The case against thimerosal

Exposure to methylmercury, a separate mercury compound, produces symptoms nearly identical to those of autism. In addition, it is known that infants are especially susceptible to mercury poisoning. Ethylmercury (the component in thimerosal) has not been shown to have side effects like those of methylmercury, but parents with children suffering from ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and DSI (Sensory Integration Dysfunction) are demanding further investigation.

The RhoGAM treatment that is currently being produced does not contain thimerosal. Patients who have been raising concern received the treatment between 1968 and 2001. These individuals claim that the ADHD and DSI symptoms their children are presently exhibiting are rooted in their prenatal exposure to mercury. RhoGAM lawyers are presenting these cases and pushing for further investigation into ethylmercury.

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