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New study shows link between cleaning products and childhood obesity

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(KPRC) A recent Canadian study finds the disinfectants we're using in our homes could make kids fat.

In the past few decades, scientists say asthma, Type 1 diabetes, obesity and other diseases are sharply on the rise among kids, so what has changed?

The study, which was only examining childhood obesity, finds that disinfectants are changing the bacteria in children's gut and that may later lead to obesity.

It's very compelling research, according to Dr. Geoffrey Preidis, a pediatric gastroenterologist from Texas Children's Hospital. But he's not convinced.

"We still don't know what is causing that link, and it could be a lot of other things that were not accounted for," Preidis says. "Specific types of cleaners, they might also encourage their children to run around outside and exercise as opposed to spending hours in front of a television or a screen."