But cleanliness in Thailand isn't sterile. I was fascinated to come across an article last year about germs that posed the question: Is there such a thing as being too clean? (See Why We Need Germs) by Garry Hamilton.) Apparently so. It has been found that children who grow up in sterile environments are much more prone to allergies than children growing up on a farm or in the households with pets. If mice are raised in a completely sterile environment their immune system will not develop. It appears that our health and immunity develops in a partnership with bacteria