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As the autism controversy continues, new findings were released this past week from a US sponsored study in Argentina. According to this new study, the

mercury used to help increase the shelf life of certain children's vaccines, is excreded from the body in about a month. Therefore, the researches believe

that vaccinations do not lead to disorders such as autism.

The Associated Press article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080131/...) addresses an unanswered question about the safety of

thimerosal, a preservative that has been eliminated from routine U.S. vaccines, and breaks down as ethyl mercury in the body. It is still used in other countries, including Argentina.

ALthough the US has put restrictions on using thimerasol in vaccines, the World Health Organization continues to support this practice as it increases the likelyhood that more children world wide will be treated. The scientists measured blood taken from babies right after vaccination and then differnt time points following the shots. The highest levels of mercury were found immediately following the vaccination, and returned to normal within a few weeks.

"The amount found in the blood was about one-tenth of that predicted in that the late 1990s and the length of time it stays in the blood is one-tenth of that predicted," Pichichero, who was the main researcher, said.

As the debate continues, I'd love to hear your thoughts on autism and what you believe may be the causes. Why are cases rising so quickly in the US? Should the government do more to prevent this disorder? Share your experiences!