Leah McInerney sat down with Dan Reed and Sean Henson for the True Value Podcast to discuss the importance of Asthma & Allergy Friendly® certified paint, highlighting how the partnership ensures healthier indoor air quality and empowers both consumers and retailers to make informed choices
What Sets the Certification Apart?
When it comes to home improvement, consumers are increasingly prioritizing health-conscious choices. Paint is a staple of any renovation, but many don’t realize that it can be a hidden source of indoor air pollutants. True Value, a leading name in home improvement, has taken a proactive step in addressing this issue by partnering with the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program. This collaboration ensures that consumers have access to scientifically tested and certified paints that contribute to healthier indoor environments.
Leah McInerney, Client Success Manager at the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, joined Dan Reed, National Training Manager with True Value, and Sean Henson, Sr. Instructional Designer with True Value, for a podcast discussion on the significance of certified paint and the shared commitment to consumer health. Below, we explore some of the key topics discussed.
The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, created by Allergy Standards Ltd in partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), sets rigorous scientific standards for household products. For paints, this means evaluating emissions not just in the short term but over extended periods. Certified products undergo independent laboratory testing to ensure they release fewer airborne irritants than conventional alternatives.
True Value’s EasyCare® Ultra Premium paint met these standards, earning the Asthma & Allergy Friendly®certification. This distinction reassures consumers that they are making a healthier choice when selecting paint for their homes.
The Science Behind Certified Paint
At the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, our mission is to identify and certify products that contribute to healthier indoor environments, particularly for individuals with asthma and allergies. Paint plays a critical role in indoor air quality, as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allergens, and irritants in certain paints can negatively impact respiratory health.
Our decision to test and certify paint was driven by:
Scientific Research & Consumer Need
- Research has shown that indoor air pollution can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels, and paint emissions contribute to poor IAQ, affecting people with asthma and allergies.
- We saw a need to help consumers identify paints that emit fewer irritants and support healthier indoor environments.
Lack of Clear Standards for Health-Focused Paint
- Many paints claim to be “low-VOC” or “eco-friendly,” but these terms don’t always reflect real-world air quality impact.
- Our certification process evaluates not just VOC levels, but also allergen content, odor emissions, and real-world impact over time.
Industry Collaboration & Commitment to Healthier Homes
- We work with leading paint brands that prioritize health-focused innovation, helping them validate their products through independent, science-backed testing.
- By certifying healthier paint choices, we empower consumers, healthcare professionals, and industry partners to make informed decisions that support better indoor air quality.
Through rigorous scientific testing and real-world exposure analysis, we ensure that certified paints meet strict criteria for healthier indoor environments—aligning with our broader mission to improve indoor air quality for all.
What Tests Do We Perform on Paints?
The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program conducts comprehensive evaluations of paints to ensure they contribute to healthier indoor environments, particularly for individuals with asthma and allergies. Our testing process includes:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Emissions Testing
- Measurement of VOC emissions during and after paint application, ensuring levels remain within acceptable limits over time (tested at 0, 24 and 336 hours).
- Specific focus on formaldehyde and acetaldehyde
Assessment of Sensitizing Chemicals
- Review of paint formulations to identify and limit chemicals that could cause sensitivities or allergic reactions.
Performance Evaluation
- Testing for drying time, scrubbability, cleanability, and adhesion to ensure the paint meets or exceeds industry performance standards.
These rigorous assessments help consumers identify paints that are better suited for maintaining a healthier indoor environment.
True Value’s Journey: Commitment to Indoor Air Quality and Consumer Trust
True Value’s journey with the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program began in 2018, marking a transformative period for the EasyCare® paint brand. Recognizing a growing demand for healthier products, True Value sought to meet stringent scientific standards that would ensure its paints contribute positively to indoor air quality.
However, this journey was about more than just meeting consumer demand—it was about rebuilding trust. Before its certification, EasyCare paint faced significant challenges, including a “dead last” ranking by Consumer Reports in 2014. This served as a wake-up call for True Value, reinforcing the need for independent, third-party certification that could validate its commitment to healthier living spaces.
Since achieving certification, True Value has attributed the turnaround in sales and consumer confidence to the credibility and trust that comes with third-party verification, proving that independent certification can drive meaningful business results.
True Value’s Commitment to Healthier Homes and Communities
True Value’s dedication to healthier products and community engagement was formally recognized in February 2024,when the company received the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program’s inaugural ESG and Community Award. This award honored the company’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and its contributions to community health awareness. Programs such as Painting a Brighter Future, which has donated over 68,000 gallons of paint to schools and nonprofits, and True Value’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity, reflect the company’s dedication to improving indoor environments beyond commercial success.
Additionally, in 2024 and most recently in February 2025, True Value took its commitment to health awareness a step further by participating in the AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. At the event, True Value contributed to the Healthy Home booth, demonstrating how certified products like EasyCare paint play a role in reducing asthma and allergy triggers and generating a buzz among the allergists and immunologists there. This engagement further solidified True Value’s role in advocating for healthier indoor air through science-backed solutions.
A Shared Commitment to Healthier Homes
The partnership between True Value and the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program is a great example of the power of collaboration in promoting healthier indoor spaces.
By certifying their EasyCare® paint, True Value has taken an important step in providing consumers with scientifically verified, healthier options.
As Leah, Sean, and Dan emphasized in theTrue Value podcast, this initiative is about more than just paint—it’s about empowering consumers, educating retailers, and creating homes that support well-being. With the demand for healthier home products on the rise, True Value’s commitment to certification sets a high standard for the industry.
To explore how certified paint can contribute to a healthier home, visit the Paint on the Asthma & Allergy Friendly®Certification Program website.