Finding bedding and stuffed toys you can safely give to a child with asthma is easier this holiday season with the Asthma Friendly Certification Program, which puts its mark on toys and household items that meet their standards of "asthma and allergy trigger avoidance ... including both allergens and irritants." They do not contain any fabric or fillings known to aggravate asthma. Also, they can safely undergo the effective allergen reduction procedure of freezing, washing, and drying. They are machine washable.
The concerned consumer is rarely provided with sufficient information specific to allergy and irritancy that allows him/her make an informed purchase decision.
The weekend after Thanksgiving has traditionally signaled the start of the Christmas shopping season, but as Santa Claus checks his list of who's been naughty or nice, he may also have to make special arrangements for children with allergies or asthma.
Prevalence rates for both diseases have doubled in the past 20 years, and many common household items, including toys, can trigger asthma and allergy attacks.
"Stuffed toys are notorious for carrying dust mites and other substances that can be a major problem for children who take plush toys everywhere they go, including to bed," Dr. Sheryl Lucas, a allergist in Washington, D.C., said in a prepared statement.
To help Santa out, a new program to certify toys as "asthma friendly" has been launched by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). These toys have been scientifically tested and proven to be better choices for children with asthma and allergies.
Over 3 million Canadians who suffer from asthma can breathe easier today after The Asthma Society of Canada announced the launch of a product and environmental certification program to assist consumers in choosing products that are more suitable for people affected by asthma and associated allergies. In partnership with Allergy Standards Ltd., the asthma friendly® certification program is the first of its kind, with the certification mark found on a variety of products from children’s toys to household vacuum cleaners.
Toys certified as "asthma friendly" also come with instructions on how to keep them that way.For example, certified plush toys instruct parents to place the toy in the freezer for 24 hours and then in the washing machine every four weeks in order to kill dust mites and their eggs.
The goal of the asthma friendly certification program is to assist consumers to choose products that are more suitable for people with asthma or allergic sensitivities.
The asthma friendly® certification mark indicates that a product has been scientifically tested and proven more suitable for people with asthma and related allergic sensitivities.
Products bearing the asthma friendly certification mark have been subject to rigorous scientific testing and are labeled in a clear and easy to understand manner that informs consumers why a product has been certified asthma friendly.
For example certified pillows are accompanied with customized instructions on how to maintain the product in a low allergen state.
"Asthma friendly" toys are now available at a number of major U.S. retailers. Certified pillows will be available in December and other products -- including mattresses, pillow protectors/encasements, vacuum cleaners, and flooring -- will be considered for certification next year, the AAFA said.
Asthma is a chronic condition that usually requires continuous medical care. Environmental control measures are an important means to avoid or reduce factors that trigger asthma flare-ups. “The asthma friendly certification mark is currently the only effective signpost for Canadian consumers with asthma when they are determining the suitability of a product,” stated Frank Viti, CEO of The Asthma Society of Canada, a not-for-profit patient-advocate organization. As a leader in asthma care for over 30 years, “the Society launched the program with Allergy Standards Limited,” said Viti, “because it will help Canadian asthmatics implement trigger reduction strategies and hopefully, enjoy a high quality of life.”
“The asthma friendly certification mark indicates that a product or environment has been scientifically tested and proven more suitable for people with asthma and related allergic sensitivities,” stated Dr. John O’Mahony, CEO of Allergy Standards Limited. Products bearing the asthma friendly certification mark have been subject to rigorous scientific testing and are labeled in a clear and easy to understand manner that informs consumers why a product or environment has been certified asthma friendly. When appropriate, additional information is provided to the consumer. For example, asthma friendly plush toys and pillows are accompanied with customized instructions on how to maintain the item in a low allergen state.
The Asthma Society of Canada is proud to enter into a long term partnership with Allergy Standards Limited - a physician-led, global asthma and allergy product and environmental certification company. Allergy Standards Limited uses their network of state of the art, accredited laboratory facilities, found in North America, Europe and Asia, to test a wide range of products and determine their suitability for asthmatics and individuals with associated allergies.
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