To navigate through the multitude of allergy-safe choices, look for those that carry special allergy certifications or seals that indicate they've been approved by reputable organizations. This is important because some fly-by-night companies can also "certify" products without actually meeting any allergy-safe requirements.
Respected Allergy Certifications
Here are some of the most reliable allergy-friendly certifications that are respected by many medical experts:
The Asthma & Allergy FriendlyTM Certification Program
When a household product carries this certification mark, you know that it meets stringent guidelines. This effort is affiliated with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and with a research organization called Allergy Standards Limited (ASL). The program's researchers test and certify a wide array of common household items including floors, paints, vacuums, toys, and bedding.
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certification
This organization has earned its reputation by establishing criteria that ensures that drinking water and food meet acceptable public health standards. NSF also provides allergy-friendly certification for washing machines that effectively remove allergens from laundry and keeps triggers from building up inside the machine.
The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval
Good Housekeeping magazine has a popular seal of approval to endorse worthy products. If any of these products fail within two years after you buy them, Good Housekeeping guarantees to replace them for you or provide a refund.
Food Allergy Friendly and Latex Safe Seal
Restaurants and other eating establishments need to create safe, allergy-free environment. That's why the Association for Allergy Safety & Education (AASA) has established its Food Allergy Friendly and Latex Safe seal to encourage places to follow allergy-safe practices. Establishments that carry the AASA endorsement have been trained to provide a healthy environment for people with allergic reactions to food and latex. When you see the telltale AASA mark, feel confident that the staff will take precautions to prevent you from coming into contact with items that can trigger a serious reaction.
Sources:
Association for Allergy Safety & Education. "The AASA Allergy Certification." Web. 6 Feb. 2012.
http://www.allergysafety.org/allergycertification.htm
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. "Look for Certified Asthma & Allergy friendly Products." Web. 3 Feb. 2012.
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=10&sub=28&cont=386
"The Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification Program." Asthma andAllergyFriendly.com, Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2012.
Good Housekeeping. "Allergy Sufferers: Look For The New NSF Mark." Web. 6 Feb. 2012.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/research-institute/nsf-certification-mark
