County Legislator in New York Moves To Ban Mercury In Vaccines

      Huntington - Suffolk County Legislator Steven Stern (D-Huntington) 16th LD, Vice-Chair of the Legislature¹s Health & Human Services Committee, introduced legislation today in the Suffolk County Legislature that if approved, will require County Health Center facilities to utilize mercury-free vaccinations only administered to pregnant women and children three and under. As many special needs families know, the use of mercury in vaccinations has long been suspected as a possible contributor to certain developmental disabilities, including the autism spectrum. "Although there has been no study producing a definitive direct link, there is compelling research to raise serious and legitimate concerns," Stern said. "As a parent of young children myself, I would always rather be safe than sorry," Stern said.

      Currently, there is New York State legislation that will place limits on the amount of mercury in vaccinations. However, Stern noted that the New York State law still allows for some amounts of mercury. Stern¹s bill would prohibit any level. New York State law doesn't take effect until 2008. "We must act now. With 1 in 166 children being diagnosed with autism, a profound tragedy of epidemic proportions is upon us and we must act with a sense of urgency," said Stern. " As with any health crisis, we must always consider both services for treatment and methods for prevention," Stern explained. " I will always support programs for special needs families, but we also need prevention. This legislation is not just a ban, but a call to action," said Stern.

      Suffolk County Legislator Jack Eddington (D-Patchogue) 7th LD, who is a co-sponsor of the bill added, "This County has a history of acting proactively to protect its citizens. This is another instance where Suffolk County must take the lead and act in the best interest of its youngest residents. Even if it is a small chance that mercury-laden vaccines cause autism, it is not a chance worth taking when mercury free alternatives are available, " Eddington said.

      John Gilmore, treasurer of Advocates for Children¹s Health Affected by Mercury Poisoning (A-CHAMP) said "Something is fundamentally broken at the FDA and CDC and we are fortunate that we have local legislators who have the foresight and courage to do what is necessary to protect our children from unnecessary exposure to mercury in vaccines."

      Christine Zichittella-Heeren, President of the Long Island Chapter of the National Autism Association and the mother of a six year old with autism said, "I am very proud that the members of the Suffolk County legislature are taking on this issue and care about their constituents. The safety of thimerosal has not been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt and keeping it out of vaccines is the right thing to do especially since autism is epidemic."

      Suffolk County Legislator Elie Mystal (D-Amityville) 15th LD, who is the Chairman of the Health & Human Services Committee, said "This legislation is an example of what County government is all about: protecting the health and safety of our citizens."

      In addition to this legislation, Stern has also introduced Memorializing Resolution M 035, which will be considered by the Legislature next month, in support of the federal "Combating Autism Act" of 2005.

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