Allergen pacifier

Allergy and asthma rates are rising among children throughout the developed world. The reasons for this are unclear. Some posit that increased hygiene is the culprit - baby kids no longer are exposed to the wide variety of environmental antigens that were around in days of yore. Their naive immune systmes become hyperactive, leading the allergy. The problem with this theory is that asthma is worst among the lowest socioeconmic groups, who live in places least likely to be bleach-clean.

But consider the propensity for baby kids to stuff anything loose in the mouth. It is a powerful urge, suggesting there must have been adaptive value to this tendency in days past. I propose that it is by mouthing stuff that kids are exposed to environmental antigens. This tendency has been subverted by the widespread use of pacifiers. The kids suck away at these bleach-cleaned rubber bits, which block the ability to cram other stuff in their mouths. The reason for increased asthma rates is increased pacifier use!

The solution: Allergen Pacifiers. Just like allergy shots meant to desensitize the hyperactive immune system, allergen pacifiers can be filled with different antigens, which then are gradually delivered as the baby sucks. The pacifier is loaded each day according to a preset schedule. Allergens include parasite parts, animal dander, pollens, peanut butter - all sterilized, of course, but still antigenically intact. This surrogate immune stimulation mimics the natural environment of our ancestors - but without the risk!