New Standard Certifies Pillows as 'Asthma Friendly' |
|
By: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Posted: 2006-11-21 23:36:05 |
|
A new certification standard has been launched this holiday season to help people with asthma and allergies find pillows that are more suitable for them. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports that pillows and other bedding can be home to millions of dust mites and other allergens that cause asthma symptoms. Now, AAFA has launched the asthma friendly(R) Certification Program in the U.S. to help consumers identify the best tools for controlling and reducing allergen exposure in the home.
Medical experts advise that reducing exposure to dust mites should be a critical part of everyone's allergy and asthma management plan. "Dust mites are among the most common indoor allergens," says Clifford W. Bassett, MD, of the Long Island College Hospital of Brooklyn and Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine. "We can't emphasize enough how important it is to get tested to learn if you have allergic sensitivities and to take steps to reduce exposure to dust mites." The "asthma friendly" certification program is a joint effort between the nonprofit AAFA and the international research and testing organization, Allergy Standards Limited (ASL). Standards are written for different types of products then manufacturers submit products for laboratory testing to determine if they meet the standards and qualify for the "asthma friendly" certification mark. The first "asthma friendly" certified pillows will be available at Bed Bath and Beyond this holiday. Other certified products, such as stuffed toys, are already on the shelves at major retailers including Target, Kohl's, Build-a-Bear Workshop, FAO Schwartz and Learning Express.Next year, certified vacuum cleaners, paints, flooring and other types of items will also be available. AAFA recommends the following simple tips for controlling dust mites at home: * Reduce humidity throughout the house, keeping humidity below 50 percent. * Wash bed sheets weekly in 130-degree hot water to kill dust mites and their eggs. * Keep pets off of beds and out of bedrooms to minimize pet dander -- a food source for dust mites. * Look for asthma friendly(R) certified pillows and other bedding. 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. |
| Trackback url: https://press.abc-directory.com/press/675 |