Article: Danish study suggests no link between autism and thimerosal; Preservative was once added to childhood vaccines

CHICAGO (AP) - Autism rates in Denmark do not appear to be linked to thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative once added to some childhood vaccines, according to an analysis of three decades of data.

An apparent increase in autism rates in Denmark began shortly before the discontinuation of thimerosal-containing vaccines there in 1992 but continued for several years thereafter, the study found.

"Thimerosal has been eliminated from childhood vaccines in most industrialized countries," said lead author Dr. Kreesten Meldgaard Madsen. "If indeed thimerosal was an important cause of autism, (autism rates) should soon begin to decline in these countries."

"We did not see this decline," said ...

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