Author of Why Dirt Is Good, Mary Ruebush says the lack of germs and dirt in a child's environment and over-washing of hands may be linked to the formation of severe illnesses — even diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

The theory, backed by research, is called the hygiene hypothesis.

Scientists believe that our bodies use the germs to create a healthy immune system. Not only that, but the use of antibacterial soap to wash hands, which has been described as akin to using a jack-hammer to kill an ant, is likely resulting in the contamination of water, harmful to the development of frogs and potentially humans.

Read more about this research in these Canadian warnings against anti-bacterial soap.

Triclosan, the same ingredient in antibacterial soaps and cleaners, which are suspected in the malformation of frogs, is also being used as a germ killer in toothpaste and mouth wash! Molecular biologist John Gustafson insists that triclosan belongs only in hospitals and clinics, "not in the homes of healthy people." (Scientific American)

See a list of products to avoid at Treehugger.com.