Brett Finlay: Let Them Eat Dirt!

GBH Forum Network

GBH Forum Network

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Brett Finlay is a microbiologist at the University of British Columbia and world leader on understanding how bacterial infections work. his new book, “LET THEM EAT DIRT”, Finlay questions whether our hyper-vigilant hygiene practices are helping or hurting our health. In the 200 years since we first discovered that microbes cause infectious diseases, we have battled to keep them at bay. But a recent explosion of scientific knowledge has led to undeniable evidence that early exposure to these organisms is beneficial to or health.  Finlay argues that our super-clean approach to living is damaging our health and the health of our children.  Indeed, the imbalance of these important microbes can lead to the development of obesity, diabetes and asthma.

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