On Friday, September 28, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP Committee) released a report from Ranking Member Senator Michael B. Enzi (R-WY), entitled Thimerosal and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Alleged Misconduct by Government Agencies and Private Entities. These findings are the result of an 18-month investigation into allegations of misconduct on the part of individuals and U.S. government officials related to the use of the preservative thimerosal in childhood vaccines and its possible contribution to an increase in rates of autism. While the report does not render an opinion on the safety of thimerosal in vaccines, it assesses allegations of misconduct by government officials and private entities in connection with the thimerosal controversy.

The Committee addressed a total of seven allegations brought to its attention by family members of children with autism, as well as by medical researchers active in the autism community. Of the allegations made, two were substantiated, one was partially substantiated, and four were not substantiated by the evidence gathered. Senator Enzi is closing this investigation, while continuing to monitor developments on this issue.

Read the complete report (PDF).