A recent study conducted by John Hopkins Children's Centre supports the 'hygeine hypothesis' that some antibacterial chemicals and Preservatives can contribute to food and environmental allergies.
I will warn you that this is a highly debated subject and there are obviously arguements for and against this hypothesis. I personally agree with it...but this might just support my parenting style! There is nothing more satisfying than seeing my children, after spending all day in the garden, or in the neighbours garden, come in for dinner with really dirty faces and hands. It means to me that they have had fun and explored. And it is even nicer after they have had a lovely warm bath. But thats just me!
Anyway, the study"Urinary Levels of Triclosan and Parabens Are Associated with th Aeroallergen and Food Sensitization," was published in the June 2012 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. It looked at the relationship between levels of antibacterials and preservatives in urine and the presence of IgE antibodies in the blood of 860 children aged between 6 and 18. They concluded that children with high levels of tricolsan and propylparaben in their urine were twice as likely to develop environmental allergies compared to children with low levels of the substances in their urine.
Rebecca
I will warn you that this is a highly debated subject and there are obviously arguements for and against this hypothesis. I personally agree with it...but this might just support my parenting style! There is nothing more satisfying than seeing my children, after spending all day in the garden, or in the neighbours garden, come in for dinner with really dirty faces and hands. It means to me that they have had fun and explored. And it is even nicer after they have had a lovely warm bath. But thats just me!
Anyway, the study"Urinary Levels of Triclosan and Parabens Are Associated with th Aeroallergen and Food Sensitization," was published in the June 2012 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. It looked at the relationship between levels of antibacterials and preservatives in urine and the presence of IgE antibodies in the blood of 860 children aged between 6 and 18. They concluded that children with high levels of tricolsan and propylparaben in their urine were twice as likely to develop environmental allergies compared to children with low levels of the substances in their urine.
It is important to note that the researchers do not claim that these chemicals cause allergies but rather they may interfere with immune system development. In short they imply that antimicrobal agents may upset the balance between 'good' and 'bad' bacteria, leading to an increased risk of allergies.
The study supports the theory 'hygiene hypothesis" that pathogens are necessary to build a healthy immune system and a lack or protection from these pathogens could lead to immune system problems like allergies.
Now I am not saying that we should not use products with preservatives in them. Without a doubt preservatives are necessary in protecting products that contain water from getting nasty bacteria that can be acutely dangerous to our health. I for one am not a fan of skin eating diseases. I am also not saying that children should not wash before meal times or after using the toilet. I am saying that it may not be a good idea to follow your child around with a soapy flannel or spray absolutely everything with antibacterial spray.
What this study may support is the notion that on the whole, we may be too sanitised. In other words, a little bit of dirt is not a bad thing for your child, and in fact it may help them be strong and healthy.
Now I am not saying that we should not use products with preservatives in them. Without a doubt preservatives are necessary in protecting products that contain water from getting nasty bacteria that can be acutely dangerous to our health. I for one am not a fan of skin eating diseases. I am also not saying that children should not wash before meal times or after using the toilet. I am saying that it may not be a good idea to follow your child around with a soapy flannel or spray absolutely everything with antibacterial spray.
What this study may support is the notion that on the whole, we may be too sanitised. In other words, a little bit of dirt is not a bad thing for your child, and in fact it may help them be strong and healthy.
Rebecca
