User:Timyeomans33/Sandbox

Background
The avoidance of asthma triggers and/or allergens has been well recognised by many clinicians, and researchers, as being an integral part of an asthma management plan. Although there has been some discussion as to whether dust mite avoidance measures will result in a clinically relevant outcome  the resulting debate has given rise to the recommendation by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute  that an asthma management plan should include avoidance of as many allergens as possible to which the individual is sensitive. This report, and others, also recognised that no single specific measure is sufficient to reduce allergens; an allergen reduction plan is necessary, which encompasses a variety of approaches in order to address management of asthma symptoms.

Asthma & Allergy Friendly
Asthma & Allergy Friendly is a registered Certification mark operated by Allergy Standards Limited in association with not-for-profit asthma and/or allergy organizations in the country of operation. Products are subjected to standardised testing and should they pass, are deemed 'Asthma & Allergy Friendly'. The Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification Program has been implemented in a number of countries:

→ United States (in association with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) → Canada (in association with the Asthma Society of Canada) → United Kingdom (to be launched 2009).

Areas of testing for textile related products include · presence of allergenic dyes and sensitizing chemicals · capacity for allergen retention · withstanding eradication techniques.

Product areas that have been certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly include: stuffed toys, bedding products (pillows, pillow encasings, duvet encasings, mattress encasings, etc), air cleaners, vacuum cleaners, floooring, and washing machines.