Why certified?
“Hypoallergenic” is a marketing word. Certified is a tested fact.
No law defines “hypoallergenic”, “allergy-friendly” or “non-toxic”. The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® mark is different: it can only be used on a product that has passed every test in a strict scientific standard.
Independent laboratory testing
Every product is tested by an accredited, independent lab, not the manufacturer. Our scientists review every result before certification is granted.
Strict scientific standards
46 testing standards across 17 categories, developed with allergists, immunologists and environmental scientists. Standards are publicly available and regularly updated.
AAFA medical oversight
AAFA’s Medical Scientific Council reviews each standard, ensuring the mark stays clinically meaningful.
The evidence
Common asthma and allergy triggers are already in your home
In most US homes, exposure to several allergens at once is the norm, not the exception. Certified products are tested with that reality in mind.
- Dust mite allergen
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
- VOCs
- Cockroach allergen
Room by room
Sources of asthma and allergy triggers in your home
Click a room to see the common allergens found there, and the certified product categories tested to help reduce them.
Bedroom
Other ways to reduce triggers and irritants at home
A published, peer-reviewed standard
A certified product
- Is tested against a strict scientific standard
- Passes every criterion, not a selection of them
- Is tested by an independent, accredited laboratory
- Is re-tested to keep the mark, and can lose it
An uncertified “allergy-friendly” claim
- Uses a term with no legal definition
- Sets its own bar, and may test nothing at all
- May be tested by the manufacturer, or a paid partner
- Is never independently reviewed or renewed
About the Program
About the Certification Program
Each year, people in the US spend about $10 billion on products marketed to people with asthma and allergies. But there is no regulation on these claims. Any company can label their products as “hypoallergenic” or “allergy-friendly” with no proof to back up those claims.The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program is a unique partnership between the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL). The Program tests and certifies products and services to improve the air quality and health of homes.
The Program works with retailers and manufacturers to offer healthier products to consumers. The National Institutes of Health guidelines state people with asthma should assess their home environment and improve indoor air quality. Based on these guidelines, The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program helps people make better choices when buying products to remove allergens and improve indoor air quality.
Products are scientifically tested to meet strict standards. If they meet these standards, they carry the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Mark. People can look for this mark while shopping to know they are getting products that improve the health of their home. More than 40 companies have had many of their products Certified through our program.
Certification Program Team
What Is AAFA’s Involvement With the Certification Program?
AAFA is the oldest and largest nonprofit patient organization for asthma and allergies in the world.
AAFA’s mission is to save lives and reduce the burden of disease for people with asthma and allergies through support, advocacy, education and research. The Certification Program is important to AAFA because it helps consumers identify products that will help control environmental exposure to allergens and asthma irritants. AAFA’s role in the program is three-fold:
- AAFA’s medical advisors and board of directors review and approve the standards developed for the Certification Program
- AAFA teaches about environmental control of allergens and irritants and indoor air quality
- AAFA advocates for healthier home policies
ONLINE COMMUNITY SUPPORT & OUTREACH
AAFA hosts an active online community of people with asthma and allergic diseases. Trained staff monitor the community to ensure a helpful, encouraging environment.
EVIDENCE-BASED EDUCATION
AAFA provides asthma and allergy education through blog posts, social media, web content, educational programs and handouts.
MEDICAL AND MARKET RESEARCH
AAFA’s research looks at financial, social, emotional and physical impacts of asthma and allergic diseases to help improve research and treatment. AAFA has produced landmark prevalence studies such as Anaphylaxis in America and Atopic Dermatitis in America. AAFA also conducts market research among people with asthma and allergies.
SOCIAL LISTENING
AAFA is active in and closely watches social media surrounding asthma and allergies. This allows AAFA to know the needs of the asthma and allergy community to better meet those needs.
ADVOCACY
AAFA works to support public policies that will benefit people with asthma and allergies. AAFA advocates for federal and state legislation, focused on both medical and environmental issues. AAFA works to make sure you have access to high quality, affordable, evidence-based care and treatments.
MEDICAL SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL
AAFA’S educational content is reviewed and approved by a medical scientific council of allergists, immunologists and pulmonologists. The expert review ensures AAFA’s information is based on current medical guidelines.
AAFA Certification Program Liaison Team
Kenneth Mendez
Chief Executive Officer
Sanaz Eftekhari
Chief Business Dev Officer
Kimberly Rafferty
Marketing & Communications Production Director
What Is ASL’s Involvement With the Certification Program?
ASL is an independent, global certification company.
ASL believes consumers with Asthma & Allergy Friendly® should be able to easily identify products they can trust. ASL’s role in the Certification Program is three-fold:
- ASL’s management team possess specialist skills in a variety of medical fields including asthma and allergic diseases. They use this expertise to develop independent standards for testing a wide range of products.
- ASL works with independent labs around the world to test products.
- ASL certifies only the products that meet the strict standards of the certification mark.
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
ASL’s Landscape Analysis and Scientific Consulting assists manufacturers while products are being developed. ASL provides guidance on changes in manufacturing to help products pass CERTIFICATION tests.
DIGITAL CONTENT
ASL’s marketing experts can provide educational and scientific content.
CONSUMER ANALYTICS & DATA INSIGHTS
PR, MEDIA & MARKETING
RETAILER INFLUENCE & ENGAGEMENT
ASL provides services for retailers who want to attract the allergy-aware audience, as well as manufacturers who want to influence retail gatekeepers.
