There are chances that thimerosal, a known vaccine preservative, which is commonly used in developing countries, will get banned. The U. N. Environment Program is thinking to take the step, but any announcement on the same will only be revealed after a final meeting scheduled for January takes place.

A number of studies have revealed that Thimerosal contains mercury, which raises the risk of autism among children. After knowing the same, the US as well as Europe has banned the preservative in respective countries a number of years back. But, there are some experts, who think that the preservative is safe.

In fact, three international papers have been published in the journal Pediatrics, which has argued that the ban is not going to reduce the autism rates. Dr. Walter Orenstein from the Emory University said that the preservative helps save medicine from getting bad.

However, on the other hand, experts, who support the ban, said that the ban is an effort to reduce the exposure of mercury. Exposure to mercury causes hindrance in brain development.

It can be said that the opinion on the ban is divided into two. Some of them have been saying that it is beneficial and others have been saying that the ban is must. Final decision will be known in 2013.