“Bursting the Antibacterial Bubble” Transcript
In the film The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, a boy born with a deficient immune system is forced to live in a
germ-free environment to prevent him from contracting infections. His room is sealed against bacteria
and viruses, his food is specially prepared, and his only human contact comes in the form of gloved
hands.
Today millions of Americans are trying to build a bubble around themselves and their families to keep
out germs. The bubble is not made of plastic, however, but of billions of dollars worth of antibacterial
hand wipes, tissues, soaps, and sponges.
Before I studied antibacterial products in my public health class, I always used antibacterial hand soaps
and antibacterial all-surface cleaner for my apartment. I also know from my class survey that 70 percent
of you use antibacterial soaps, cleaners, and other products.
The Boston Globe reports that larger items such as mattresses, countertops, high chairs, and even
children’s toys have been coated with antibacterial chemicals. The New York Times calls the antibacterial
craze “the biggest marketing coup since bottled water.”
Not only do antibacterial products fail to deliver what they promise, but they actually increase your
chances of getting sick. According to Stuart Levy, a professor of microbiology and medicine at Tufts
University, excessive use of antibacterial products in the home can make children more likely to develop
allergies and asthma.
In addition, people who use antibacterial products may become more susceptible to infections. Dr.
James Chin, a research scientist in New South Wales, Australia, says, “The way we stay healthy is by low–
dose exposure to bacteria and viruses. You need to exercise your immune system in the same way you
need to exercise your muscles to be fit. If you don’t do that, your immune system doesn’t have a chance
