Fact Check: CDC presentation falsely cites non-existent study linking thimerosal to brain damage.

Fact Check: CDC Presentation Falsely Cites Non-Existent Study Linking Thimerosal to Brain Damage

What We Know

The claim that the CDC presentation cites a non-existent study linking thimerosal to brain damage is substantiated by multiple sources. The presentation in question, titled "Thimerosal as a Vaccine Preservative," was prepared for the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). It referenced a study allegedly titled "Low-level neonatal thimerosal exposure: Long-term consequences in the brain," purportedly published in the journal Neurotoxicology in 2008. However, Robert Berman, the scientist listed as the author of this study, has publicly stated that no such study exists. He clarified that he co-authored a similarly named study in a different journal, Toxicological Sciences, which reached different conclusions regarding thimerosal and did not examine its effects on microglia, contrary to the claims made in the CDC presentation (Reuters, CNN).

Analysis

The evidence strongly supports the claim that the CDC presentation misrepresented the existence of a study. Robert Berman's denial of the study's existence is critical, as he is a credible source directly involved in the research related to thimerosal. His assertion that the presentation misrepresents his work indicates a significant error in the CDC's communication. The CDC has been under scrutiny for its handling of vaccine safety information, and this incident raises questions about the reliability of the data presented by the agency (Reuters, CNN).

Moreover, the CDC's reliance on a non-existent study to support claims about thimerosal's neurodevelopmental risks undermines the integrity of the information being disseminated. This misrepresentation could contribute to public mistrust regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, especially in light of ongoing debates about vaccine ingredients (Reuters, CNN).

The sources providing this information, including Reuters and CNN, are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards. They have reported on this issue with corroborating statements from Berman, which adds to the credibility of the claim (Reuters, CNN).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the CDC presentation falsely cites a non-existent study linking thimerosal to brain damage is true. The evidence provided by Robert Berman, along with the reporting from credible news sources, confirms that the CDC misrepresented research findings, which raises significant concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information being presented to the public.