argument81[big fish]------tc1220

tc1220UID: 2585174

3.06Argument No.81（这篇好像挺难的~~）
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to certain stimuli. One view is that allergies can develop as the result of childhood exposure to certain irritants, such as dust or animal dander, while the immune system is not yet mature. Another view is that exposure to particular bacteria early in childhood actually triggers the proper development of the immune system, and that limiting exposure to these bacteria through
excessive hygiene can cause children's immune systems to overreact to certain irritants later on. A new study supports the second view: children who are washed especially frequently and whose parents clean their homes
especially frequently are more likely to develop allergies than are other children. So in order to reduce the incidence of allergies in children and adults, parents should not limit children's exposure to irritants or bacteria.

The argument states that there are two views on the allergies. Generally speaking, the basic difference on both views is that one is the result of exposure to certain irritants gradually, while the other is the result of exposure to certain irritants suddenly. Based on the study provided, the author concludes that parents should not limit children's exposure to irritants. However, it is based on some problematic reasoning and presents several logic flaws.

First of all, the study fails to support the second view convincingly. To explain, cleaning home may produce the dust which is the common sense. Hence, as stated in the argument, probably children get allergies due to the fact the dust is frequently produced in their homes and they always are exposed to the irritants. Without enough information about the study, it may be persuasive that the new study supports the second law.
In addition, even assuming no dust produced at each cleaning, the author rests the assumptions that cleaning homes means no irritants inside home, thus, less exposure to irritants for children. As indicated in the argument, the irritants refers to the dust or animal dander, perhaps in this study some children have pets in the house and cleaning home cannot significantly reduce the animal dander. Therefore, from this point of view, the author cannot assert developing allergies is due to cleaning home.

Finally, even assuming the study matches perfect to the second view, the author fail to take the first view into consideration, thus, leading to the ridiculous conclusion. As the first view says that the allergies could develop due to the certain irritant gradually for children. However, no limiting children's exposure to irritants definitely contradicts the first view which implies that children would develop allergies gradually. Furthermore, there is no evidence for adults getting allergies in the argument. It is irresponsible for author to suggest the same approach for adults with children in reducing incidence of allergies. Thus, author should provide more information about the fact in allergies before making such conclusions.

In summary, the author fails to establish the correct relationship between home cleaning and developing allergies. Without enough evidence provided, the author should not be so confidential on the study. Similarly, more investigations should be done for adults before claiming such conclusions.