the defence of dirt
BMJ 2004; 328 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38075.565822.55 (Published 20 May 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;328:1226- Geoff Watts (geoff@scileg.freeserve.co.uk), science editor, BMJ1
- 1 28 New End Square, London NW3 1LS
As the Duchess of Windsor once remarked, one can never be too thin or too rich—wisely, she did not add too clean. The hygiene hypothesis aims to explain why some people have allergies and some do not, and why the prevalence of allergic disorders has been increasing over the past century. It suggests that the modern obsession with cleanliness may be counterproductive; in childhood, at least, it may encourage the development of allergic disorders. Benn and colleagues have attempted to untangle the link between infections in infancy and atopic disease.1
Formalised in the late 1980s, the hypothesis seemed to fly in the face of common sense. After all, …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.