An issue that has been prevalent for many years is that regarding the presence of thimerosal in vaccines. Thimerosal is added to vaccines and other products because it is effective in killing bacteria and preventing bacterial contamination. When thimerosal is degraded, it produces ethyl mercury. Little is known about toxicity of ethyl mercury, but a closely related chemical, methyl mercury, can cause blindness, deafness, speech difficulties, retardation, and cerebral palsy. Researchers today are working to determine if the guidelines for methyl mercury are fitting for ethyl mercury as well.
An idea inspiring great emotion and debate is that Autism is caused by infant vaccines containing thimerosal. In July of 1999, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agencies agreed that thimerosal should be reduced or eliminated in vaccines as a precautionary measure and to reduce exposure to mercury. In 2002, The Homeland Security Act was created and passed as an anti-terrorism bill, but a last minute provision was added that shielded the pharmaceutical industry from anticipated lawsuits over vaccines. These are just two of the many government actions that have caused a stir in regards to this issue.
To relate this topic to the workplace, I could address my White Paper to those in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. I also could focus more on the governmental aspect of this debate and offer solutions to legislators. There are many possible ideas and solutions for bettering the vaccine situation, making this issue an appropriate White Paper topic.