The families of two autistic children have filed suit against several vaccine manufacturers, claiming that a preservative in certain vaccines caused their children's autism. The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts, claims that the preservative thimerosal, made of "toxic mercury," harmed their children.
The families were shocked to discover that many vaccines, including those used for tetanus and hepatitis B, contained the mercury-based preservative.
Currently, the Department of Health and Human Services is phasing out the use of vaccines that contain thimerosal. However, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no evidence linking the preservative to autism. Nevertheless, the FDA continues to study thimerosal.
The lawsuit names seven different vaccine makers as well as five companies that produce the preservative. The lawsuit claims that the companies failed to adequately warn parents of the risks associated with the vaccines. The families seek medical expenses and punitive damages.
Autism is a permanent condition which can cause communication problems and learning disabilities.