[raybbr]

1) Children's clothes are no longer being dried in the open (ex. on clotheslines), where they became imbedded with small amounts of pollen etc., which de-sensitized people as they wore the clothing.

My wife refuses to allow a clothesline for the very reasons you mentioned. Well, that and she thinks it's low class. (I am just the messenger)

2) Homes are now air-conditioned, with filters, and children spend less time outside. Again, they are not being exposed to small amounts of environmental allergens early in life.

I agree. We open our windows whenever we can. But, when we built the house we have to pretty much prove it was air tight to the building inspector to get the permit.

[bert]

......children spend less time outside.....

Many girls beyond the age of 12 virtually never go outside.