Potential Side Effects

An article in today's Washington Post discusses a recent study suggesting that antibacterial soaps and other products my lack efficacy. An interesting comment by Stuart Levy, a professor of molecular biology, microbiology and medicine at the Tufts University School of Medicine, suggests the potential negative side effects of our extensive use of antibacterials.

"I have been concerned for a long time about changing the microbiology of the home," said Levy, who was not involved in the new study. "Infants growing up in the home need to be exposed to certain types of bacteria to get their immune systems to mature properly. Too hygienic means that you are more likely to come down with allergies and asthma."

More information is available everywhere, but I found the CHEC useful.