At the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, our mission is to empower individuals and families to create healthier indoor environments. This year, we are excited to announce a major update: the rebranding of our Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Mark.
This change is more than just a new appearance; it represents our commitment to innovation, our dedication to the needs of the asthma and allergy community, with a focus on continuously enhancing the quality of indoor spaces where families live, work, and play, ultimately striving to create environments that support better health and well-being for all.
Why the New Certification Mark?
Streamlined and Contemporary Design: The updated mark features a clean, modern look with a single color palette that enhances versatility. This new design allows the mark to fit seamlessly into various settings, whether on product packaging or online platforms.
Improved Visibility: The new mark is bold yet straightforward, making it eye-catching on product labels and advertising materials. It is now easier than ever to identify products that meet our rigorous certification standards, whether in stores or online.
Flexible Application: The use of a single color allows for more options, including a white cut-out version. This adaptability ensures that the mark remains clear and recognizable against different backgrounds.
What Does This Change Mean for You?
The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Mark continues to be your trusted guide when selecting products. It signifies that items have undergone thorough testing to support healthier indoor spaces. While the design has changed, the essential message of trust and reliability remains the same.
What this means for you:
Easier Product Identification: The mark’s enhanced visibility makes it simpler to find certified products.
Continued Confidence: You can trust that any product bearing this mark has been tested to reduce exposure to allergens and asthma triggers.
The Science Behind the Certification
Our program, a partnership between Allergy Standards Ltd. (ASL) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), is rooted in scientific rigor. This partnership is what makes our certification unique. AAFA, the oldest and largest non-profit organization for asthma and allergies, plays a crucial role in advocating, supporting and educating for healthier home policies. ASL, an independent certification body, brings scientific expertise in developing standards related to indoor air quality, ensuring that only products meeting strict criteria are certified. Each product carrying our certification mark has passed strict testing to ensure it contributes to better indoor air quality.
With the vast array of products claiming to alleviate asthma and allergy symptoms, navigating this market can be overwhelming. Each year, Americans invest around $10 billion in these products, but the lack of regulation allows companies to label items as “hypoallergenic” or “allergy-friendly” without any substantiating evidence. Currently, there are currently no federal standards governing these marketing claims, which means they can be applied to a wide range of products, including those that may contain harmful chemicals.
So, unlike vague marketing terms like “hypoallergenic,” “natural,” or “pure,” which often lack rigorous testing requirements, our certification guarantees that products have undergone thorough scientific evaluation. By seeking out our certification mark, you can trust that the products have been rigorously tested to effectively manage allergens and enhance indoor air quality, empowering you to make informed decisions for a healthier home.
Our program collaborates with retailers and manufacturers to provide a selection of healthier products for consumers and over 200 products in the U.S. are currently Certified.
According to guidelines from the National Institutes of Health, individuals with asthma should assess their home environments and take steps to enhance indoor air quality. The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program aligns with these recommendations, helping you make better choices when purchasing products aimed at reducing allergens.
Looking to the Future
As we roll out the new certification mark, we aim to increase awareness about the importance of choosing certified products. Our refreshed branding reflects our commitment to innovation and clarity, making it easier for consumers to identify products that truly support their health. Our goal is to partner with more manufacturers and retailers to expand the range of certified options available to consumers. We believe that by providing clear, trustworthy information, we can empower you to make choices that enhance the health of your home.
In addition, we are committed to ongoing research and development to refine our testing standards and adapt to new findings in the field of asthma and allergy management. Your health and comfort remain our top priority, and we are excited to continue this journey with you.