Asthma and Allergy Friendly

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Asthma & Allergy Friendly is a registered certification mark operated by Allergy Standards Limited in association with not-for-profit asthma and/or allergy organizations. They specialise in labelling products which have been put through and have passed standardised testing. The Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification Program was created to scientifically test and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.[ citation needed ]

Contents

Asthma and Allergy Friendly
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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. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Although there has been some discussion as to whether dust mite avoidance measures will result in a clinically relevant outcome [6] [7] [8] 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. [9] This report and others [4] [8] 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.

Certification mark

Asthma & Allergy Friendly is a registered certification mark operated by Allergy Standards Limited [10] 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:

The allergen immunoassay sampling and analysis for the certification program is carried out by various accredited partner laboratories such as Berkeley Analytical, Testex and Airmid Healthgroup specialised in environmental testings and in particular for 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.

Certification process

Overview of the standards

Standards assess products for the presence of allergenic dyes and sensitizing chemicals [13] as well as the capacity for allergen retention and ability to withstand eradication techniques such as repeated washing machine cycles. [14] Product areas that have been certified include textile materials, electrical appliances, building products and kids toys. [15]

Prerequisites

Products seeking to be certified asthma & allergy friendly must pass Allergy Standards rigorous testing standards. Manufacturers must submit their products for testing to Allergy Standards Ltd approved third party laboratories. [16] [17] [18] Products must be submitted from current production and consumer ready. In order to pass the standards, products must meet the criteria of the standard relevant to the product category.

Laboratory tests

Certification standards are tailored to the specific product categories. Criteria in the standards may include low or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions, free from banned dyes and allergens according to best international practice, [19] and capable of either providing a barrier to allergens or effectively removing allergen from the environment. Importantly, products must also demonstrate that they are capable of carrying out their function effectively and are of acceptable quality and construction. For example textiles must be evaluated for barrier function, but must also demonstrate barrier function after washing. Vacuum cleaners must demonstrate effective allergen removal, but this is also assessed when the bag is near capacity, demonstrating no significant loss of power and no redistribution of dust and allergens.

Allergy Standards Limited

Allergy Standards Limited is an International Standards and Certification Body that prepares independent standards for a wide range of products to declare their suitability for people whose lives are affected by allergies and asthma. [20] Their headquarters are based in Dublin, Ireland.

Allergy Standards published a white paper on Allergens and Irritants in Household Cleaning Products in the Household and Personal Care Today peer reviewed journal [21]

References and notes

  1. Walshaw and Evans, Q J Med, 1986[ full citation needed ]
  2. Capristo et al, Allergy, 2004[ full citation needed ]
  3. Platts-Mills, NEJM, 2003[ full citation needed ]
  4. 1 2 O'Connor, J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2005[ full citation needed ]
  5. Morgan et al, NEJM, 2004[ full citation needed ]
  6. Gotzsche, Lancet, 2007[ full citation needed ]
  7. Woodcock et al, NEJM, 2003[ full citation needed ]
  8. 1 2 Platts-Mills, J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2008[ full citation needed ]
  9. Report of the Third International Workshop. JACI vol. 100: no.6, part 1
  10. "Allergy Standards". allergystandards.com Allergy Standards.
  11. asthma.ca/adults/ "Asthma Canada" Archived 2009-02-13 at the Wayback Machine . asthma.ca Asthma Canada.
  12. "Allergy Standards". allergystandards.com Allergy Standards.
  13. “Chemical Allergens-What Are the Issues?”. Kimber, Ian, David A. Basketter, and Rebecca J. Dearman. 2010. “Chemical Allergens-What Are the Issues?” Toxicology 268(3): 139–42. access-date=2018-08-28
  14. "ISO 6330:2012(en) Textiles — Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing". iso.org
  15. "Certified Products". asthmaandallergyfriendly.com
  16. "Berkeley Analytical".
  17. "Airmid Health Group".
  18. "IBR USA".
  19. "European Chemicals Agency".
  20. "Allergy Standards". allergystandards.com Allergy Standards Limited.
  21. “Allergens and irritants in household cleaning products. Clinical testing for triggers of asthma and allergies”. DR JOSEPH DECOURCEY. 2018. “H&PC Today - Household and Personal Care Today - vol. 13(6) November/December 2018

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allergy</span> Immune system response to a substance that most people tolerate well

Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are various conditions caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system to typically harmless substances in the environment. These diseases include hay fever, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include red eyes, an itchy rash, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, shortness of breath, or swelling. Note that food intolerances and food poisoning are separate conditions.

An allergen is a type of antigen that produces an abnormally vigorous immune response in which the immune system fights off a perceived threat that would otherwise be harmless to the body. Such reactions are called allergies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Certification mark</span> Graphic mark indicating compliance with a standard

A certification mark on a commercial product or service is a registered mark that enables its owner to certify that the goods or services of a particular provider have particular properties, e.g., regional or other origin, material, quality, accuracy, mode of manufacture, being produced by union labor, etc. The standards to which the product is held are stipulated by the owner of the certification mark.

Hypoallergenic, meaning "below average" or "slightly" allergenic, is a term meaning that something causes fewer allergic reactions. The term was first used in 1953 in an advertising campaign for cosmetics or perhaps as early as 1940. A 2017 study of the top-selling skin moisturizers from Amazon, Target, and Walmart found 83% of those marketed as "hypoallergenic" contained at least one potentially allergenic chemical.

A radioallergosorbent test (RAST) is a blood test using radioimmunoassay test to detect specific IgE antibodies in order to determine the substances a subject is allergic to. This is different from a skin allergy test, which determines allergy by the reaction of a person's skin to different substances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Food allergy</span> Hypersensitivity reaction to a food

A food allergy is an abnormal immune response to food. The symptoms of the allergic reaction may range from mild to severe. They may include itchiness, swelling of the tongue, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, trouble breathing, or low blood pressure. This typically occurs within minutes to several hours of exposure. When the symptoms are severe, it is known as anaphylaxis. A food intolerance and food poisoning are separate conditions, not due to an immune response.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Contact dermatitis</span> Inflammation from allergen or irritant exposure

Contact dermatitis is a type of acute or chronic inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to chemical or physical agents. Symptoms of contact dermatitis can include itchy or dry skin, a red rash, bumps, blisters, or swelling. These rashes are not contagious or life-threatening, but can be very uncomfortable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allergic conjunctivitis</span> Medical condition

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergy. Although allergens differ among patients, the most common cause is hay fever. Symptoms consist of redness, edema (swelling) of the conjunctiva, itching, and increased lacrimation. If this is combined with rhinitis, the condition is termed allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atopy</span> Predisposition towards allergy

Atopy is the tendency to produce an exaggerated immunoglobulin E (IgE) immune response to otherwise harmless substances in the environment. Allergic diseases are clinical manifestations of such inappropriate, atopic responses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peanut allergy</span> Type of food allergy caused by peanuts

Peanut allergy is a type of food allergy to peanuts. It is different from tree nut allergies, because peanuts are legumes and not true nuts. Physical symptoms of allergic reaction can include itchiness, hives, swelling, eczema, sneezing, asthma attack, abdominal pain, drop in blood pressure, diarrhea, and cardiac arrest. Anaphylaxis may occur. Those with a history of asthma are more likely to be severely affected.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soy allergy</span> Type of food allergy caused by soy

Soy allergy is a type of food allergy. It is a hypersensitivity to ingesting compounds in soy, causing an overreaction of the immune system, typically with physical symptoms, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory distress, or a skin reaction. Soy is among the eight most common foods inducing allergic reactions in children and adults. It has a prevalence of about 0.3% in the general population.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allergic contact dermatitis</span> Medical condition

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a form of contact dermatitis that is the manifestation of an allergic response caused by contact with a substance; the other type being irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Egg allergy</span> Type of food allergy caused by eggs

Egg allergy is an immune hypersensitivity to proteins found in chicken eggs, and possibly goose, duck, or turkey eggs. Symptoms can be either rapid or gradual in onset. The latter can take hours to days to appear. The former may include anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition which requires treatment with epinephrine. Other presentations may include atopic dermatitis or inflammation of the esophagus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tree nut allergy</span> Medical condition

A tree nut allergy is a hypersensitivity to dietary substances from tree nuts and edible tree seeds causing an overreaction of the immune system which may lead to severe physical symptoms. Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, filberts/hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, shea nuts and walnuts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wheat allergy</span> Medical condition

Wheat allergy is an allergy to wheat which typically presents itself as a food allergy, but can also be a contact allergy resulting from occupational exposure. Like all allergies, wheat allergy involves immunoglobulin E and mast cell response. Typically the allergy is limited to the seed storage proteins of wheat. Some reactions are restricted to wheat proteins, while others can react across many varieties of seeds and other plant tissues. Wheat allergy is rare. Prevalence in adults was found to be 0.21% in a 2012 study in Japan.

Allergy testing can help confirm or rule out allergies and consequently reduce adverse reactions and limit unnecessary avoidance and medications.

Asthma Canada, formerly the Asthma Society of Canada, is a non-profit charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and health for people living with asthma and associated allergies. It has a threefold focus on education, research, and advocacy, to continue improving lives for all those with asthma. Asthma Canada represents over 3.8 million Canadians living with asthma, along with their caregivers and all others impacted by asthma, and also provides resources for people suffering from allergies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clothes steamer</span> Device used to remove wrinkles from garments and fabrics

A clothes steamer, also called a garment steamer or simply a steamer, is a device used for quickly removing wrinkles from garments and fabrics with the use of high temperature steam. They can for example be used to straighten wrinkles on shirts by releasing tension in the fabric so that it straightens itself. Steamers can also remove smells.

Alcohol-induced respiratory reactions, also termed alcohol-induced asthma and alcohol-induced respiratory symptoms, are increasingly recognized as a pathological bronchoconstriction response to the consumption of alcohol that afflicts many people with a "classical" form of asthma, the airway constriction disease evoked by the inhalation of allergens. Alcohol-induced respiratory reactions reflect the operation of different and often racially related mechanisms that differ from those of classical, allergen-induced asthma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fish allergy</span> Type of food allergy caused by fish

Fish allergy is an immune hypersensitivity to proteins found in fish. Symptoms can be either rapid or gradual in onset. The latter can take hours to days to appear. The former may include anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition which requires treatment with epinephrine. Other presentations may include atopic dermatitis or inflammation of the esophagus. Fish is one of the eight common food allergens which are responsible for 90% of allergic reactions to foods: cow's milk, eggs, wheat, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and soy beans.