Building a healthy home may seem complicated or even overwhelming but by breaking down the various aspects of a build, the task can be simplified. Firstly consider the material the building is made from, then how the home is decorated or finished, which also includes the ventilation, and finally what we bring into the building and how we maintain the building.

The kitchen is an area of high traffic with many different sources of asthma and allergy triggers. Cooking and cleaning introduce particles and allergens into the air; flooring, paints and insulation can release potentially harmful chemicals; insects, attracted to food, can act as triggers; pollen is brought in on clothing from outside. Furniture, sealants, glues and home office equipment can emit harmful chemicals and furthermore, the kitchen is where a pet is most likely to spend its time

We know that people spend up to 90% of their life indoors and 30% of this time may be in the bedroom. Infants and young children spend even longer than this. Integral to the designing of a well-functioning bedroom are the concepts of comfort, wellness and health but the bedroom can be rife with asthma and allergy triggers with the potential to impact on these concepts and turn a bedroom into a negative space.

The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program, which is jointly run by Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is pleased to be participating in both virtual shows, the IBS 2021 Builders Show® and NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® that are taking place February 9 – 12, 2021

Indoor air quality is in the News. What has been a longstanding health issue has hit the spotlight. Due to a number of issues and events occurring over recent times, the air we breathe in our homes and workspaces is becoming visible.

Design thinking and empathic listening may be some of the most valuable tools you will ever use. Simply put, design thinking is a process for creative problem solving. It is a non-linear, iterative process that focuses on the user, challenges any biased assumptions, aims to redefine problems from the users point of view and subsequently arrives at innovative solutions.

Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards, is recognised for delivering informative, cutting edge talks, lectures and workshops on developing international standards, Indoor Air Quality, third body certification and innovation so is particularly honoured to be presenting a talk hosted by Tarkett entitled ‘Breathe Clean Air Program: Advanced Training for Building Professionals’

Allergy Standards Ltd is delighted to be exhibiting at Greenbuild Conference and Expo 2020- the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to sustainability in the building industry

Last week in Ireland, a brand of hand sanitizer was recalled as it does not comply with regulations governing the content and efficacy of such products. Some of the product contains methanol rather than ethanol. Prolonged use of such sanitizer may cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation and headaches

LG announced the rollout of its innovative LG WashTower featuring its CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® washing machine

Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) is pleased to announce their participation in Tarkett’s Learn.Give.Breathe Event taking place virtually on October 7th where Allergy Standards Limited CEO, Dr. John McKeon will serve as a keynote speaker conveying powerful insights about the heightened importance of Indoor Air Quality, triggers of Indoor Air Pollution, and how to create a healthy home environment through building materials, best practices, and beyond. Not only is Tarkett a CERTIFIED flooring partner of the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program but their company mission is also fully aligned with the Program, as their goal is to create healthier homes through offering flooring materials that allow individuals to make better purchasing decisions to improve their Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

Allergy Standards Ltd develops new standard for Merino Wool

Consumers need a recognisable, trustworthy mark to help them identify the truly beneficial products. This is where asthma & allergy friendly® comes in: a certification that focuses solely on a product’s impact on human health.

The COVID-19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools is a comprehensive document covering all things related to asthma, from asthma management and prevention to its relation to COVID-19. By using this toolkit, schools will not only be creating a more asthma friendly environment but also will be helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The resource is a supplement to the current district, state and federal reopening guidelines and isn’t intended to replace those guidelines

This summer we are likely to spend more time in our homes than ever and with temperatures rising, it’s time to tackle any issues with our air conditioning. Living in a space that is too hot and sticky can be difficult. Tempers fray, sleep suffers, babies and small children get cranky. But its not just our mood that is impacted. Our health is effected too. Here’s some help if you are considering a portable air conditioner.

This talk explores current and future healthy home trends with a focus on indoor air quality, whole house filtration and the importance of third party certification. IAQ is a key component in the healthy home and builders will benefit by a deeper understanding of how whole house filtration and other asthma and allergy friendly products can help them keep their business healthy.

World Asthma Day falls on the first Tuesday of May every year and gives us the opportunity to promote recognition, education and celebration of asthma awareness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends cloth face coverings when in public. These Wicked Sheets face masks are made from fabric that is CERTIFIED by the asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program which means they have been scientifically tested to provide an effective allergen barrier, tested for irritant chemicals and are ‘breathable’ for maximum user comfort.

LG announced their new washing machine featuring its most advanced TurboWash™ technologies yet and CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly®.