The fast-growing asthma friendly(R) consumer product Certification Program administered by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in partnership with the international research organization, Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), has been expanded to include Certified asthma & allergy friendly(TM) products.

There are 20 million people with asthma and 50 million with allergies in the U.S. Products that pass rigorous scientific testing and meet strict standards will be awarded the asthma & allergy friendly(TM) Certification Mark. AAFA expanded the "asthma friendly" certification mark to include "allergy" in order to communicate the benefits of the certification program to the millions of people who also have allergies since many of the same triggers can aggravate both conditions.

Certified asthma & allergy friendly(TM) products are scientifically tested in independent, accredited laboratories and must be found to meet or exceed the stringent standards adopted by AAFA. The standards are designed to ensure that products do not contain harmful chemicals and, under normal use and care, will not allow household allergens to accumulate at high levels. Each product is labeled to inform the consumer why it has been certified. Where applicable, products include specific detailed cleaning and care instructions for maintaining its low allergen state.

As the certification Program grows, consumers will have more suitable product choices, including plush toys, pillows, bedding, bedding encasements, vacuum cleaners, flooring and more. AAFA recently adopted a new Washing Machine Certification Standard developed by ASL.

Medical experts advise that reducing exposure to allergens from dust mites and pet dander should be a critical part of a patient's allergy and asthma management plan, and washing machines can be a tool in an overall allergen reduction plan at home. Washing machines that have been certified have proven, among other things, that washing temperatures reach at least 131ºF to kill dust mites, that 95% or more of allergen from house dust mites and domestic animal dander from fabrics are effectively removed, and that it does not expose the user to unacceptable levels of ozone by-product, ionized particles or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The first washing machine to be Certified asthma & allergy friendly(TM) is the LG SteamWasher(TM) with the Allergiene(TM) cycle. For a full list of certified products, retailers that carry them and abstracts of the standards, visit .

About AAFA

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is the leading national nonprofit organization fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free information, conducts educational programs, fights for patients' rights, and funds research to find better treatments and cures. Log on to for more information.

About ASL

Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) is a physician-led global certification company that prepares independent standards for testing a wide range of products to determine their suitability for people with asthma and associated allergies. ASL's management team possesses specialist skills in a variety of medical fields including asthma and other allergic diseases.