S. C. R. No. 29 As Introduced

As Introduced

127th General Assembly

Regular Session

2007-2008

S. C. R. No. 29

Senator Morano

Cosponsors: Senators Fedor, Mason, Miller, D., Roberts, Kearney

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

To memorialize the Congress of the United States to review the allowance of mercury as an ingredient in vaccines and take legislative action to ensure that there is no risk of harm in vaccines.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF OHIO
(THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING):

       WHEREAS, Thimerosal, a compound containing mercury, was used for over fifty years as a preservative in some vaccines to prevent bacterial contamination; and

       WHEREAS, Vaccine manufacturers have removed thimerosal from most vaccines by federal recommendation, including routinely recommended childhood vaccines; and

       WHEREAS, Some formulations of the influenza vaccine still contain thimerosal and influenza vaccines are recommended specifically for children, pregnant women, and seniors, who are the most susceptible to debilitating influenza symptoms; and

       WHEREAS, Infants and fetuses are biologically least able to safely expel heavy metals such as mercury from the body; and

       WHEREAS, Methyl mercury is a known and potent neurotoxin when absorbed or digested, and can impair neurological development in children and neurological function in adults; and

       WHEREAS, Thimerosal contains over 52% ethyl mercury and ethyl mercury exhibits similar toxic effects to methyl mercury in animal tests, but has never been tested on healthy human adults or children; and

       WHEREAS, Most information on the effects of mercury is derived from studies on inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption of mercury, not injection of mercury; and

       WHEREAS, In recent years, there has been increased public concern over the potential harm resulting from mercury exposure; now therefore be it

       RESOLVED, That we, the members of the 127th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, urge the Congress of the United States to review the allowance of mercury as an ingredient in any vaccine and take legislative action to ensure that there is no risk of harm in vaccines; and be it further

       RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore and the Secretary of the United States Senate, the members of the Ohio Congressional delegation, the Governor of the State of Ohio, and the news media of Ohio.