Asthma & Allergy Friendly is a registered certification mark operated by Allergy Standards Limited [1] in association with not-for-profit asthma and/or allergy organizations, labeling products which have been put through and have passed standardised testing.
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Background
The avoidance of asthma triggers and/or allergens has been recognised by many clinicians and researchers as being an integral part of an asthma management plan. Although there has been some discussion as to whether dust mite avoidance measures will result in a clinically relevant outcome the resulting debate has given rise to a recommendation by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute that an asthma management plan should include avoidance of as many allergens as possible to which the individual is sensitive. This report and others also assert that no single specific measure is sufficient to reduce allergens: An allergen reduction plan, which encompasses a variety of approaches is necessary to address management of asthma symptoms.
Asthma & Allergy Friendly
Asthma & Allergy Friendly is a registered certification mark operated by Allergy Standards Limited in association with not-for-profit asthma and/or allergy organizations in the country of operation. Products are subjected to standardised testing and if they pass, are deemed Asthma & Allergy Friendly. The Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification Program has been implemented in a number of countries, such as in the United States (in association with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America), in Canada (in association with the Asthma Society of Canada) and the United Kingdom (in association with Asthma UK). Areas of testing for textile related products include looking for the presence of allergenic dyes and sensitizing chemicals, capacity for allergen retention and withstanding eradication techniques. Product areas that have been certified include stuffed toys, bedding products, air cleaners, vacuum cleaners, flooring and washing machines.
The allergen immunoassay sampling and analysis for the certification program is carried out by Airmid Healthgroup who specialise in applied research in the environmental causes of allergy and asthma, microbiology, molecular biology, and aerobiology. Testing is conducted at a uniquely integrated testing facility which combines molecular biology, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with state of the art air sampling and particle counting in a highly sophisticated environmental test chamber facility with a microbiological aerosol capability.