From Orlando to Denver, connecting with partners, healthcare professionals, and retailers driving change
Over the past four weeks, Leah McInerney, Senior Client Success Manager with the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, has been on the ground across the United States, meeting with certified partners and industry leaders who are shaping the future of indoor environments.
The journey began in Orlando at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), where one insight stood out: 83% of consumers are actively seeking healthier building materials when building, buying, or renovating their homes. This growing demand continues to reinforce the importance of trusted, third-party certification in helping consumers make more informed choices.
From there, Leah visited one of our newest certified partners, Mohawk Industries, whose SmartStrand® carpet has achieved Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification. Innovations like this reflect how product design is evolving to support improved indoor environments.
Leah McInerney and Gemma Cox with the Mohawk Industries team, highlighting Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certified SmartStrand® carpet
The next stop was Philadelphia for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting, where the Certification Program hosted a Certified Products Booth. Participating partners included: 3M Filtrete, Alen®, Allied Home, Benjamin Moore, Blueair, Kimberly-Clark Kleenex, Knauf North America, Lanco, LG Electronics North America, Manson Insulation, Mohawk Industries, National Allergy Purfect Palz, Rabbit Air, Renegade Brands USA, Inc., SIJO, Tarkett, Tarkett Home, Trane, and True Value Company.
This provided healthcare professionals with a valuable opportunity to explore certified products and access educational resources they can share directly with patients.
Leah McInerney and Gemma Cox with Kenny Mendez (AAFA) at AAAAI 2026 in Philadelphia.
In Chicago, meetings with Kleenex® (Kimberly-Clark) highlighted the role of HVAC filtration in managing indoor exposures, while discussions with Knauf Insulation focused on how building materials such as insulation contribute to overall indoor environmental quality.
Leah McInerney meeting with Sharnell Weathersby, Kimberly-Clark, during the February U.S. trade mission,
The trade mission concluded in Denver at the Do it Best and True Value Spring Market, where conversations centered on the importance of retailer education. Equipping store teams with the right knowledge helps them better support customers living with asthma and allergies, guiding them toward more informed product choices.
Leah McInerney with John Vanderpool, Dave Morrissey and Rich White at the True Value EasyCare® paint booth during the Do it Best & True Value Spring Market.
Reflecting on the past month, one message is clear: progress in indoor environmental quality is being driven by collaboration. Manufacturers, healthcare professionals, builders, and retailers are increasingly aligned around a shared goal, supporting indoor environments that work better for everyone.