ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

Thank you so much for your important comment. The point that Jim Greenman was trying to make is that we do not want perfectly sterile environments for our children and we want parents to understand that certain things that might seem unclean are actually good for children to be exposed to, and, as you say, are indeed critical to their well being. However, we see how his play on words using the word sterile was actually misleading. I'm so glad you called this to our attention so we can be more thoughtful and precise with our wording in the future. We are very much in agreement with what you wrote, and are grateful that you took the time to help in this way.

Please be careful about the information you provide on health issues. Children should not be raised in a medically sterile environment, and there is a difference between clean and sterile. Doctor/scientists now recognize the "microbiome" - the germs that live on us and in us, as being critical to our wellbeing. In addition, studies have proven over and over again that children who are exposed to germs (such as children who live on farms and have lots of contact with livestock and crops) are HEALTHIER than children who live in more sterile environments. They have significantly reduced rates of asthma! So having germs around to challenge our immune system can be beneficial. Finally, in our quest to create germ-free environments for our children, instead of just washing with soap and water, we're exposing children to many potentially harmful chemicals. We don't understand the long-term consequences of exposure to hundreds of different chemicals, which are measurable in every person in the USA. I can back all of this up with documentation, if you're interested. You do have a responsibility to provide accurate information.