http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_8370.cfm
Although the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recommends that almost everyone, including pregnant women, get flu
vaccinations, few of the 130 million people receiving this vaccination each
year realize that most flu shots contain harmful dosages of mercury.
About 80% of all flu shots distributed in the United States
contain a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal. According to health
officials, people getting flu-shots need to request a thimerosal-free
vaccination. These vaccines cost roughly $4 more to manufacture and distribute.
QUOTE versus FACTS:
QUOTE: "There's no conclusive scientific evidence that
the amount of mercury one might get from a flu shot is linked with any
neurological development outcome that's negative." --- Jeanne Santoli,
deputy director of immunization services division for the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
FACT: A typical flu shot contains 50,000 parts per billion
of mercury.
FACT: The EPA classifies a liquid with 200 parts per billion
of mercury as hazardous waste.
FACT: The legal "safe" limit for mercury in
drinking water is 2 parts per billion.
FACT: For each flu-shot, a 22-pound baby gets more than 25
times the amount of mercury considered safe. And doctors are recommending that
many babies and children get two flu shots this season.
FACT: A material safety data sheet from Eli Lilly and Co., a
former producer of flu vaccines, says exposure to thimerosal may include
"fetal changes, decreased offspring survival and lung tissue changes.
Exposure in utero and in children may cause mild to severe mental retardation
and mild to severe motor coordination impairment."