The 'hygiene hypothesis' has been proposed as an explanation for the rapid increase in allergies and asthma incidence in Western countries over the last half century. One line of evidence supporting this hypothesis is:

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This evidence suggests that environmental factors, rather than genetic factors, contribute to the development of atopic diseases. This is because individuals of African descent have a lower incidence of atopic disease in their home countries but have an increased incidence when living in Western countries. This supports the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that the Western lifestyle and its associated cleanliness and lack of exposure to infectious agents leads to an overactive immune system and increased allergy and asthma incidence.

The 'Hygiene Hypothesis' Has Been Proposed as an Explanation for the Rapid