Cleanliness chemicals may be bad for health

A study shows young people who are over-exposed to the soap agent triclosan are more likely to suffer allergies.

In adults, the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), used in plastics and to line food cans, may suppress the immune system.

A resin coating containing BPA allows tin cans to be heated to kill off bugs without the metal contaminating food.

The chemical will be banned from baby bottles by mid-2011 under a ruling announced last week by the European Commission but according to the new research, it may be most harmful to adults.

Scientists in the US carried out the study by analysing data from a major American health and nutrition survey conducted between 2003 and 2006.

Lead researcher Dr Erin Rees Clayton, from the University of Michigan, said: "We found that people over age 18 with higher levels of BPA exposure had higher CMV antibody levels, which suggests their cell-mediated immune system may not be functioning properly."

The study also found that children and young people aged 18 and under who were exposed to higher levels of triclosan, an antimicrobial agent found in many soaps and household cleaning products, were more likely to have allergies and hay fever.

Co-author Dr Allison Aiello, said: "It is possible that a person can be too clean for their too good."