As per a new study published online in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, the health of children and adults could be threatened with cleaner chemicals used at home.

The study was led by Dr. Erin Rees Clayton from the University of Michigan. The scientists analyzed the data from a major American health and nutrition survey carried out between 2003 and 2006.

It was found that young people who frequently come in contact with the soap agent triclosan have greater tendency to endure allergies. Also, adults who are exposed to the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) used in plastics and to line food cans could weaken their immune system.

The scientists looked at Triclosan and BPA levels in the urine and compared that with presence of allergies and numbers of CMV (cytomegalovirus) antibodies, whose concentration depicts the functioning of immune system.

"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", said Dr. Clayton.

The findings suggested that living in very clean and hygienic environments could expose one to the micro-organisms and could affect the development of immune system, as expressed by Dr. Allison Aiello from the University of Michigan and study's co-author.