Asthma UK and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) have announced the launch of a product certification programme that has achieved global support from asthma and allergy sufferers by alerting them to products scientifically proven to limit their exposure to allergens. 'Asthma & allergy friendly' certification will be awarded to products that have been subject to rigorous independent scientific testing to verify their ability to help people with asthma and associated allergies restrict the number of allergy triggers they come into contact with. This is a new standard in the UK that is backed up by independent and world leading scientific testing.
New research by Asthma UK and ASL reveals that over half of people in the UK find it difficult or very difficult to find products that are suitable for people living with asthma and allergies. Over a quarter of participants taking part in the research would be more likely to buy a product that had been asthma & allergy friendly certified and been through independent scientific testing.
The new asthma & allergy friendly certification programme will now ensure that proven anti-allergen products stand out from the crowd and will cover products including bedding, cleaning products, toys, air filters and vacuum cleaners. Only products that are scientifically proven to help people avoid exposure to substances that can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms will be allowed to carry the certification mark.
"This will really help people with asthma and allergies to limit their exposure to asthma and allergy triggers," says Neil Churchill, chief executive, Asthma UK.
"Strong consumer and retailer demand in the UK has led to our ground breaking asthma & allergy friendly certification programme expansion to the UK, following success in North America over the past five years," says Dr Bruce Mitchell, medical chairman of Allergy Standards Limited. "We have seen responsible manufacturers that have chosen to join our certification programme and substantiate their asthma and allergy product claims enjoy financial reward through increased retailer and consumer support."
The precise nature of the test protocols used, and the standard that a product will need to reach in order to be certified, are validated by an independent panel of researchers selected by Asthma UK
For more information on the asthma & allergy friendly certification programme please visit www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.co.uk click here
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