3 ms·

John Hopkin's might disagree: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/newborns_exposed_to_dirt_dander_and_germs_may_have_lower_allergy_and_asthma_ri

• tootie 11y ago
  The evidence is soft and not fully linked to outcomes (ie, they live longer). The risk of contracting a serious illness that stunts development or even kills is almost certainly higher if you expose a young child to too much filth. There's likely a tradeoff and it's not clear which way the balance tilts.
• mhandley 11y ago
  The interesting thing about that study is that the protective effects only work if you're exposed before you're one year old. This makes it a bit late for most of us on HN.
  • baldfat 11y ago
    No I think ti says the benefits only last till one years of age.