Dan Burton

See: Committee of Government Reform

[2003 pdf] Mercury in Medicine: Taking Unnecessary Risks

 “Thimerosal used as a preservative in vaccines is likely related to the autism epidemic. This epidemic in all probability may have been prevented or curtailed had the FDA not been asleep at the switch regarding the lack of safety data regarding injected thimerosal and the sharp rise of infant exposure to this known neurotoxin. Our public health agencies' failure to act is indicative of institutional malfeasance for self-protection and misplaced protectionism of the pharmaceutical industry. “----House Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on Human Rights and Wellness Congressional Record, Dan Burton-May 20, 2003

[Dec 6, 2002 press release] Burton Reviews Federal Government Track Record On Vaccines And Autism

Dan Burton speech before Congress on 11/22/2002

Opening Statement Chairman Dan Burton  Vaccines – Finding the Balance Between Public Safety and Personal Choice August 3, 1999

Opening Statement Chairman Dan Burton  "Defense Vaccines: Force Protection or False Security?" October 12, 1999

Chairman Burton's Opening Statement  June 2002] “The Status of Research into Vaccine Safety and Autism”

Opening Statement of Chairman Dan Burton  [Sept 8, 2004] "Truth Revealed: New Scientific Discoveries Regarding Mercury in Medicine and Autism"
During these investigations, numerous scientists from around the globe have testified before the Committee, and have presented credible peer-reviewed research studies that indicated a direct link between the exposure of Mercury, a widely known neurotoxin, and the increasing incidences of autism.
    ....Recently, credible researchers from many of our Nation’s most highly regarded research universities have published studies noting the possible associations between Mercury and health defects.
    Dr. Richard Deth, Professor at the College of Pharmaceutical Studies at Northeastern University, was the lead researcher in a collaboration between Johns Hopkins University, Tufts University, the University of Nebraska, and Northeastern University on a groundbreaking study into the possible correlation between increases in environmental toxins such as thimerosal and incidences of autism. Dr. Deth will testify on the findings and future implications of his research.
    ....Another innovative study was conducted at Columbia University recently. Released in June of this year, the researchers exposed mice to Thimerosal in doses and timing, which corresponds to the current pediatric immunization schedule.
    ....The independent Columbia University study indicates that subjects with a specific genetic susceptibility toward autism are placed at a greater risk for neurodevelopmental diseases when administered Thimerosal-containing vaccines. Unfortunately, Dr. Mady Hornig, the lead researcher on this project, is unable to be with us this morning due to a personal emergency. In her place, Dr. Deth will present her oral testimony.
    ....As many of us already know, the incidences of autism have become increasingly prevalent in modern-day society. Once considered a rare disease, effecting roughly 1 in 10,000 children, autism now affects 1.5 Million of our Nation’s children, and this problem continues to escalate rapidly.
    ....According to a recent “Autism Alarm” released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the American Academy of Pediatrics, currently 1 out of every 6 children are diagnosed with a developmental disorder and / or behavioral problem.
    ....Even more alarming, today 1 out of every 166 children in the United States is being diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This major healthcare crisis is clearly reaching epidemic proportions, and will not just simply “go away.”