Product Description
In the 1990s reported autism cases among American children began spiking, from about 1 in 10,000 in 1987 to a shocking 1 in 166 today. This trend coincided with the addition of several new shots to the nation's already crowded vaccination schedule, grouped together and given soon after birth or in the early months of infancy. Most of these shots contained a little-known preservative called thimerosal, which includes a quantity of the toxin mercury. Evidence of Harm explores the heated controversy over what many parents, physicians, public officials, and educators have called an "epidemic" of afflicted children. Following several families, David Kirby traces their struggle to understand how and why their once-healthy kids rapidly descended into silence or disturbed behavior, often accompanied by severe physical illness. Alarmed by the levels of mercury in the vaccine schedule, these families sought answers from their doctors, from science, from pharmaceutical companies that manufacture vaccines, and finally from the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration-to no avail. But as they dug deeper, the families also found powerful allies in Congress and in the small community of physicians and researchers who believe that the rise of autism and other disorders is linked to toxic levels of mercury that accumulate in the systems of some children. An important and troubling book, Evidence of Harm reveals both the public and unsung obstacles faced by desperate families who have been opposed by the combined power of the federal government, health agencies, and pharmaceutical giants. From closed meetings of the FDA, CDC, and drug companies, to the mysterious rider inserted into the 2002 Homeland Security Bill that would bar thimerosal litigation, to open hearings held by Congress, this book shows a medical establishment determined to deny "evidence of harm" that might be connected with thimerosal and mercury in vaccines. In the end, as research is beginning to demonstrate, the questions raised by these families have significant implications for all children, and for those entrusted to oversee our national health.

Amazon.com Review
Avoiding hyperbole while writing about a possible medical catastrophe is no easy task, but David Kirby has created a fine balance of investigative and personal detail in Evidence of Harm. Combining stories from the parents of autistic children with reports, speeches and studies from researchers, pediatricians and government officials, he creates a picture that is as terrifying as anything dreamed up by Hitchcock. The topic at hand is determining whether high levels of organic mercury present in an inexpensive preservative used in vaccinations can cause either autism or autism-like symptoms. Kirby's in a delicate position, searching for the truth between frantic parents (he focuses on the founders of political action group Safe Mind) and the self-protective pharmaceutical industry (the author thanks the nameless person who placed a pro-Eli Lilly litigation rider into the Homeland Security Act of 2002). He's also honest enough of a reporter to admit to the temptation of deciding mercury is the culprit behind a range of disorders, even in light of some inconclusive test results. The ultimate truth isn't clear, and Kirby is direct about each of the reasons his sources have for their biased opinions. While some of the straight research reports will likely to go over the head of anyone not well versed in the terminology, the book is never dull--there is a continual urgency in the material that resists pedantry. However undecided the experts, readers will likely land firmly in one angry camp or the other. Jill Lightner

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 116 reviews)

Kirby's 'Erin Brockovich' Moment has come and gone by autismdad (St. Louis, MO USA)

1 Stars
November 07, 2009
I met David Kirby at a non-autism related event a year before 'Evidence of Harm' was published. As the father of an autistic child I was astounded by his lack of basic knowledge of the spectrum. When pressed he finally acknowledged that this was his 'Erin Brockovich' moment: i.e. his story of heroic moms standing up against 'big pharma' would prove as irresistible to Hollywood as had Erin Brockovich's whistle-blowing story. Only problem was Kirby's claims re vaccines have been discredited time and time and time again by study after scientific study. This book will one day be viewed as representing as sorry a chapter in the history of autism as the darkest days of Bruno Bettelheim's reign of terror. This is also a disgraceful chapter in the history of American journalism.

Pseudoscientific Yellow Journalism by Autism Dad (NJ)

1 Stars
November 03, 2009
I'm a scientist and a father of an autistic child so I know a lot more about the science behind this issue than Mr Kirby and I can confidently say that he is failing in his responsibility to the public to get the facts straight. Years ago, Mr Kirby became convinced that mercury was the problem (probably because it made a great news story)and publicly said that autism would decrease if thimerosal was removed from vaccines. Of course, that prediction did not come true but rather than admit his mistake and hurt his career as a journalist he is stubbornly persisting in trying to convince everyone he was right. Do NOT waste your time with this biased unscientific book unless you want to understand the point of view of the hysterical anti-vaccine movement. This book preys on the fears of parents with autistic children and is helping to enrich the lawyers who sue pharmaceutical companies and governments.

Great information by Robert McRobert (Florida)

5 Stars
October 07, 2009
This book is extremely informative, yet written in a way that can be easily understood. Please read this book. You will appreciate it on many levels. If your realy curious about these you can get more related information on these titles: The Poisoned Needle: Suppressed Facts about Vaccination The Vaccination Myth: Courageous MD exposes the Vaccination Fraud! Vaccination Horror: An anthology of important works on vaccination pseudoscience Vaccination: Spreading Leprosy and Death Vaccination: State sponsored Murder

the evidence of harm by Malgorzata Wolak (USA)

5 Stars
September 06, 2009
I like to say my book came in excellent shape , witout any problems . I am happy with my transaction .

A Book Every Parent & Informed U.S Citizen Should Read by Joseph Levy (USA)

5 Stars
July 26, 2009
This book demonstates the vast and pervasive ineptitude of govermental organizations, whose job is to serve it's citizens. Even if you do not believe that thimerosol (mercury) causes autism, all scientific bodies admit that mercury is a neurotoxin. The question of why the FDA did not ban this preservative is mind boggling since its not a necessary ingredient in any vaccine and can only harm people and not do any benefit. After reading this book, I have completely lost faith in both the medical establishment and government. I applaud the author and involved parents for bringing this issue to light. I hope a complete ban on mercury takes place (currently still in the Flu Vaccine) under the Obama administration. Additionally, the FDA should be reorganized with officials who truly care about public health, rather than the price of their Merck or Eli Lilly holdings. Wishful thinking perhaps.

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