We all know the importance of homeland security. It is a function of our own sense of well being, of our individual need to be safe at home. When President Bush signed the Homeland Security Bill in late 2002, there was support from both sides of the House because after all, who does not believe that we should feel secure in our homeland?

But as they often say, the devil is in the details. And in politics, often hidden in the details of a new law is language that has nothing at all to do with the law. In this case language hidden deep within the Homeland Security Bill had to do with protecting the manufacturers of vaccines from legal liability: an issue unrelated to homeland security.

At issue is a drug called thimersol. This is a preservative that is used in many vaccines and contains mercury. There have been allegations that thimersol has resulted in mercury poisoning of some children and in certain instances there are allegations that thimersol can cause developmental disorders.

When the President signed the Homeland Security Bill on November 25, 2002, the bill contained a provision that seems to have protected manufacturers from some legal liability relating to thimersol. Few people ever read every word in these wordy laws, and most would never know this language was present. The devil is in the details.

Now, some members of Congress are reportedly upset that this provision was slipped into the Federal Bill and have promised to change this in the current term of Congress. They say they are upset, but one never really knows for sure. Contributions from drug companies have a way making even upset Congresspeople happy all over again!

Some allege that trimersol may cause autism and what appears correct is that the number of autism cases has increased in this country. Thirty years ago, one in 2000 children became ill with this disease. In the year 2000, that number increased to, some allege, one in 250 people. The FDA issued a draft regulation that proposed removing thimersol from some products, but it took 16 years for these regulations to become final. During this 16 year period thimersol continued in use.

In late 1999 the American Academy of Pediatrics offered a joint statement expressing concern over the use of thimersol in some vaccines. The AAP cautioned that the mercury found in these products could be considered to be toxic resulting in immune, sensory, neurological and other problems. Litigation has been commenced nationwide over the use of this product.. While vaccines containing thimersol are no longer made, it is reported that certain clinics in this country are still using stockpiled vaccines dating back to the time which they were made.

At the end of the day, one must question why the Federal Government would pass a Homeland Security Bill seemingly have nothing to do with vaccines. And in the recesses of this Bill would be protection for American drug manufacturers.

Children who have been affected by the use of this product may have been poisoned by mercury, and may have to struggle with ill effects for the rest of their lives. What will Congress do for the victims?

Published: February 6, 2003

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