Globally, Autism is on the rise. While many people debate whether immunizations that contain Thimerosal are the cause, cases of Autism continue to grow world wide.

Current estimates in the United States indicate that 1 in 91 children will have Autism. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated 1 in 86 children and Canada has a rate of 1 in 167 children.

India estimates over 2 million children are afflicted with Autism. Estimates in China are slightly over 1 million.

Obtaining statistics from other countries is a challenge. Many countries do not have an established method of tracking Autism cases.

While studies indicate a lack of conclusive evidence that Thimerosal is to blame, it is critical to conduct research to define the cause of the increasing number of Autism cases around the world. There are many countries in which childhood vaccines were not readily available and these countries have high rates of Autism.

Many experts believe rising mercury levels in our food supply may be to blame with rising Autism rates. A common food additive in the United States, high fructose corn syrup, was found to have significant mercury levels in a study completed in 2009. The Washington Post reported on this study, which was widely overlooked by the public. Mainly because the public’s attention was directed toward the Thimerosal controversy. Until recently, all processed foods in the United States contained high fructose corn syrup.

In addition, there are many varieties of fish that contain significant levels of mercury. The fish that contain the highest levels of mercury are Swordfish, Tilefish and Ahi Tuna.

Significant mercury levels continue to be discovered in food supplies around the world. While additional research is in progress, it appears these rising mercury levels may be related to rising Autism cases.

Many parents are refusing to vaccinate their children for fear of Thimerosal, while the foods they provide for their children may contain mercury. In addition, pregnant mothers are consuming foods that contain mercury.

Is it possible our efforts to protect our children were misguided? Should we be more concerned with the foods children eat than the vaccinations they obtain?

Rising mercury levels around the world may be responsible for a variety of illnesses including Autism. Our efforts may be better served by developing solutions to reduce mercury levels globally. The rising levels will adversely affect every living thing on this planet.

We may want to pay more attention to the food we provide our children.