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CrowdScience: Are there downsides to deep cleaning?

Discussion & Talk

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22/01/2021 GMT

Are there downsides to deep cleaning?

BBC World Service - CrowdScience, Are there downsides to deep cleaning?

Could overzealous hygiene routines damage our immune system or promote superbugs?

There’s a whole world of microbes out there: some make us sick, but others are essential for health. In a sanitised world, do we still get enough of the good ones?

Covid-19 has prompted a cleaning frenzy. CrowdScience listener William works as a personal trainer in a gym, and while cleaning’s always been part of his job, it’s now taken over much of his working day. He’s constantly wiping down equipment and doing regular deep cleans, and he reckons he can sanitize his hands 40 times in one shift.

This kind of routine might strike a chord with many of us, and it’s certainly vital to take hygiene seriously during times of pandemic.

But could there be any downsides to all this extra cleaning? There’s a whole world of microbes out there: some, like SARS-CoV-2, make us sick, but others are essential for our health. A rich microbiome is linked to a healthy immune system, while ‘good’ microbes help keep ‘bad’ ones at bay. And what about the chemicals in cleaning products – do they have any unintended consequences for our health?

CrowdScience turns to the experts to ask whether our supercharged hygiene routines could damage our immune systems, or promote the spread of superbugs. And we hear why, as long as we have a good diet, plenty of fresh air, and ideally a furry pet, we don’t need to worry too much about being too clean. 

Presented by Marnie Chesterton
Produced by Cathy Edwards for the BBC World Service


(Photo credit: Getty Images)

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