Children and teenagers who are overexposed to antibacterial soaps that contain the chemical triclosan may be at risk for hay fever and other allergies, a finding that suggests that being too clean can actually make people sick.
Children and teenagers who are overexposed to antibacterial soaps that contain the chemical triclosan may be at risk for hay fever and other allergies, a finding that suggests that being too clean can actually make people sick. The study also found that exposure to higher levels of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) may weaken an adult's immune system.
Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent widely used in products such as antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, medical devices and diaper bags. BPA, which is used to make many types of plastics and other consumer products, is believed to affect human hormones.
Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent widely used in products such as antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, medical devices and diaper bags. BPA, which is used to make many types of plastics and other consumer products, is believed to affect human hormones.
Researchers analysed data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in America. They compared levels of triclosan and BPA in the urine with cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody levels and diagnosis of allergies or hay fever in adults and children over age 6 years.
It was found that people over 18 years with higher levels of BPA exposure had higher CMV antibody levels, which suggests their cell-mediated immune system may not be functioning properly. The researchers also found that children and teenagers with higher levels of triclosan were more likely to have been diagnosed with hay fever and other allergies.
The triclosan findings in the younger age groups may support the hygiene hypothesis, which maintains living in very clean and hygienic environments may impact our exposure to microorganisms that are beneficial for proper development of the immune system.
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