At the UK Cheltenham Science Festival 4th June, Professor Graham Rook gave a presentation on the issue “are we too clean”. Professor Rook focussed on explaining what is really implied by this “cover all” term in the context of the increased prevalence of allergies and other chronic inflammatory diseases i.e the need to encourage natural childbirth, breastfeeding, contact with the outdoor environment and so on in order to expose us to vital microbial “Old Friends”. He stressed that being less clean in this context must not be confused with relaxing hygiene standards which are vital for protection against infectious disease-causing organisms. The presentation was featured in a number of UK newspapers:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2649014/Want-ward-allergies-Pick-food-floor-says-scientist-claims-obsession-cleanliness-weakened-immune-systems.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10875756/Mothers-should-suck-their-babies-dummies-scientists-say.html
A short commentary on this issue by Professor Sally Bloomfield can be found at: http://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/review/%E2%80%9Care-we-too-clean%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-outdated-concept-or-concept-need-clarification