Starting in the 19th century, advertisers profited off of the public’s fear of germs. They sold products that made homes cleaner and improved personal hygiene, and unintentionally made the public healthier.

Read This Next

STDs are at a shocking high. How do we reverse the trend?
Is your favorite ‘green’ product really eco-friendly?
RSV is surging among kids—here's what you need to know

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet