ASL Feeds

Canada Certification Program Team Interviewed at Green Living Show 2011

Andrea Richardson — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:12:00 +0000

Toronto, Canada, June 2011
Following on from the great success reported from the asthma & allergy friendly™ Canada Certification Program's booth at the Green Living Show 2011 the team has announced the release of an exclusive interview with Exhibition Showcase.

The interview was given by the Program Manager, Andrea Richardson, and the President and CEO of the Asthma Society of Canada, Christine Hampson, and was a valuable opportunity for the Program team to communicate the aims and goals of the Certification Program and the Asthma Society of Canada.

Along with the release of the video also came an announcement of the launch of a new Media Area on the asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program website. This area will be an important resource of videos, press releases and links to what will surely be helpful pages and reference sites. The area also provides links to all of the Program's social media pages.

To view the Green Living Show interview click here.

To view the Media Area click here.

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Ground breaking Airmid Research to be presented at European Academy of Allergy and Clinical ...

Administrator — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:10:00 +0000

Congratulations to Dr Angela Southey as the Scientific Programme Committee of the 30^th Congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology have invited Angela to present her research; A new method for assessing feather and down serum protein contamination for presentation at the 30^th Congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, to be held in Istanbul, Turkey on 11-15 June 2011.

The theme of Dr Southey’s paper follows 2 years of research in the area that asthma and allergy sufferers are not necessarily hypersensitive to Feather and Down, but rather to the accumulated dust mites and serum proteins. Angela’s new investigation addresses effective removal tactics and verification of these accumulated antigens.

Dr Southey heads up our Virology Laboratory and Environmental Testing Chambers and has also been working on specialist augmented immunoassay techniques and the research on bird serum proteins.

Angela qualified with a BSc. in Microbiology from UCC, before going on to complete a PhD in Lung Fibrosis in UCD. She then spent two years working in Japan on Ulcerative Colitis with Tanabe Seiyaku Ltd. Returning to Ireland she took up a senior research position in the Veterinary College, UCD followed by extensive industry experience in the diagnostic area with Wyeth Biopharma and Abbott Diagnostics.

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Program Reports Great Success from Green Living Show 2011

Administrator — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:09:00 +0000

Toronto, Canada, April 2011
The asthma & allergy friendly™ Canada Certification Program team have just finished unloading from the Green Living Show 2011 in Toronto. The event was a huge success which saw the team meet with thousands of Canadian consumers interested in improving their home lives with both health and green products and services.

The show, which lasted three days, exhibited a wide range of companies from the green and health and wellness sectors and gave consumers the chance to talk to the Certification Program team and experts from the Asthma Society of Canada, as well as product demonstrators from SmartSilk™ and Dyson.

The asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program received great interest and gathered some extremely valuable feedback from those suffering with or caring for those with asthma and allergies.

“The response we received from those who visited our booth was remarkable,” said Program Manager Andrea Richardson, “we were so pleased to use this platform to spread the message of the Certification Program and the Asthma Society of Canada to those looking to manage their asthma and allergies, not to mention the people we spoke to who were simply looking to make their home lives more healthy in general. The show was so impressive overall and we were proud to be a part of it.”

The booth also gave visitors the chance to win a Dyson vacuum cleaner and a night in a Montreal hotel and the winners are due to be announced over the coming days.

The asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program team would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved in the booth and all who visited it over the three days. Also, make sure to check back to our news room and find out more on the success of the booth and the competition winners!

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asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program Stages ...

Administrator — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:04:00 +0000

TORONTO, Canada and Dublin, Ireland, April 14, 2011—At this weekend’s Green Living Show in Toronto, the asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program [Certification Program], a partnership between Ireland’s Allergy Standards Limited [ASL] and the Asthma Society of Canada [ASC], will provide visitors with the latest on asthma and allergy research and solutions. The show is the largest green consumer event dedicated to educating consumers on practical solutions for sustainable lifestyles.

The Certification Program will co-host a booth with clients Smartsilk Corp., a manufacturer of all-natural silk-filled luxury and wellness bedding products, and Dyson Canada Ltd., a worldwide leader in the vacuum cleaner sector. Both clients will offer demonstrations of their certified asthma and allergy-friendly products. Also at the booth will be certified asthma educators and experts from the ASC who will offer tips on strategies to promote allergen-free lifestyles.

The Toronto event is the latest in a series of North American initiatives for the Certification Program and its parent, ASL. Just last month, the Program’s partner research facility, airmid healthgroup, signed an R&D partnership with bedding product leader, Spring Air.

“Given the rising prevalence of asthma and allergies, there’s great demand from consumers for quality information and products that can help them avoid an often-debilitating condition,” said Andrea Richardson, Certification Program Manager. “We’re pleased to share our knowledge and expertise with Canadian consumers at this year’s show. And we’re glad to team with SmartSilk and Dyson—manufacturers that leverage state-of-the-art technologies to bring allergen-free products to their customers.”

ASL’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. John McKeon, stressed the importance of the Certification Program’s developments and their relevance to Green Living Show visitors, “Now more than ever, as bedrooms and homes are sealed to maximize energy efficiency, it’s critical that the products we use are optimized to create the healthiest indoor air environments possible.”

Visitors to the booth can compete to win a certified Dyson vacuum cleaner or a night at a top Montréal hotel.

The Green Living Show runs from April 15-17, at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Visitors can speak with Certification Program experts at booth number 2140.

About the Program
www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.ca

About ASC
www.asthma.ca

About ASL
www.allergystandards.com or www.airmidhealthgroup.com

Certification Program Contact
Andrea Richardson
Email: andrearichardson@allergystandards.com

Download official PDF press release

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St. Patrick's Day 2011 Brings a Successful Trip for Irish Prime Minister to Meet with US ...

Andrea Richardson — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:44:00 +0000

Washington DC, USA, March 2011
Carrying on the tradition the newly elected Irish Prime Minister, Enda Kenny, made his first annual St. Patrick's Day visit to the US to meet with President Obama in Washington DC. Various trade events took place over the visit and the trip was reported to be a huge success overall.

Allergy Standards Ltd were pleased to be among those attending an event on March 17 in the Fairmont Hotel. At this event the CEO of ASL, John McKeon, and the Sales Manager of the USA asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program, Michael Breshgold, were delighted to meet with the Prime Minister and take the opportunity to announce an exciting new development for Allergy Standards Ltd involving Spring Air International LLC. Rick Robinson, President of Spring Air, was also happy to be present for the announcement.

Spring Air announced embarking upon a research and development project with airmid healthgroup ltd, a vertically integrated biotechnology innovation and research company dealing with indoor air health solutions across a number of areas. The airmid healthgroup ltd world class facilities span a wide aspect of disciplines all relevant to indoor particulate contaminants, ranging from virology, microbiology, mycology, endotoxin, allergen and including dust mite and bed bug research.

Following completion of the research phase Spring Air International LLC hope to enter the asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program in the USA.

Pictured below (l-r) are Michael Breshgold, Sales Manager of the asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program USA; Rick Robinson, President of Spring Air International LLC; Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Irish Prime Minister); John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd; Hugh Cooney, Chairman of the Board of Enterprise Ireland.

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ASL Attend Spring Market Week in New York

Andrea Richardson — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:39:00 +0000

New York, USA, March 2011
Allergy Standards Ltd CEO, John McKeon, and USA Sales Manager of the asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program, Michael Breshgold, attended a number of events during the Spring Market Week in New York City. The bi-annual Market Week brings the Bedding industry and retailers together to discuss the latest in Home Bedding Products.

The event started off with a reception sponsored by Home Textiles Today. At the event, John McKeon met with Jennifer Marks, Editor in Chief of the magazine (pictured right with Chief Operations Officer, Fraser Hodgson) and discussed the latest in Certification Standards, including the developments in airmid healthgroup, a research and development company with recent innovations in dust mite and bed bug research and other areas relating to air quality in the bedroom. This kick-off event was attended by over 200 industry leaders from the leading companies in the bedding industry. The event is a unique communication platform for the bedding industry and is well received by participants.

The Allergy Standards Ltd team continue meetings throughout the week.

John McKeon and Michael Breshgold at Market Week

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Five new product areas for asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification

Tim Yeomans — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:36:00 +0000

Allergy Standards Limited operate the asthma & allergy friendly^TM Certification Program in America, Canada, Ireland and the UK. These Programs are operated in partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the Asthma Society of Canada, the Asthma Society of Ireland and Asthma UK respectively. It is designed to act as a signpost for consumers to direct them towards products that have been scientifically tested to prove that they are more suitable for those suffering from asthma and allergies. The product areas that are selected for testing are those that have the potential to make a real impact on the lives of these people. Testing standards are then written to determine the products' performance in key areas.

In the last 6 months, we are proud to announce that we have written, and received approval for, 3 new test standards and 2 Addenda to existing standards.

ASP:10:03/101 - Certification of Portable Air Conditioners - tests air conditioners based on their ability to control thermal comfort as well as allergen removal capability and particulate control.

ASP:12:01/101 - Certification of Tumble Dryers - The Certification of Washing Machines has long been a stalwart of the Certification Program, the Laundry cycle now will also benefit from a Certified Tumble Dryer Standard. This Standard tests Tumble Dryers to show efficacy of drying, removal of allergen, thermal killing of dust mites as well as monitoring of release of particulates.

ASP:02:16/101 - Certification of Feather and Down Filled Pillows - Bedding plays a vital role where trigger avoidance is concerned. This is just as true for properly prepared and manufactured feather and down bedding products. The Certification of these products is based on the standard bedding Certification but incorporates proprietary immunochemical testing (patent pending) to prove that the allergen levels are below limits set by the Program.

ASP:03:01/103 Addendum II - Vacuum Cleaners Incorporating Water Based Dust Collection Systems- An addendum to a standard is warranted when the intended further test criteria do not excessively change the focus of the standard. Vacuum cleaners that incorporate water based dust collection systems are tested in the same way as a standard vacuum cleaner however the impact of increased introduction of water or water vapour to the indoor environment must also be monitored.

ASP:08:01/102 Addendum I - Hybrid Systems Incorporating HEPA Filtration and Ionizers. Many modern air cleaners incorporate more than one technology reach performance standards and contribute to indoor air quality. One such technology is the production of negative ions. This addendum takes into consideration the potential for ozone generation during ionization while still maintaining the high standards for allergen removal of the original standard for air cleaners.

The continued development of new standards to test consumer products against means that those suffering from asthma and allergies will have even more product areas where they can purchase with confidence.

asthma & allergy friendly Component Approval Promoted at Guangzhou

Andrea Richardson — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:23:00 +0000

Qingdao, China, January 2011
Representatives will be available to discuss asthma & allergy friendly™ COMPONENT APPROVAL OF TEXTILES at the Home Textile trade show in Guangzhou, China. Asthma and allergies affect 100's of millions of people globally, and their prevalence is growing. airmid healthgroup provides unique third party testing of textiles, guaranteeing consumers and retailers they are safe and efficacious to use for asthma and allergy sufferers.

Held between the 18^th and 21^st March, the Textile show attracts over 120,000 visitors and 150 exhibitors. This is a high profile trade show where companies introduce new products for Spring 2011.

Press Releases announcing the availability of asthma & allergy friendly™ COMPONENT APPROVAL have been translated to Chinese and disseminated amongst the TEXTILE industry.

To find out more about asthma & allergy friendly™ COMPONENT APPROVAL, you should contact Fraser Hodgson at airmid health group (fhodgson@airmidhealthgroup.com) or visit the TESTEX trade booth at the Textile Show.

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Allergy Standards Ltd Attends VDTA Show in Las Vegas

Andrea Richardson — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:28:00 +0000

Las Vegas, USA, February 2011
To continue the run of extremely successful events in 2011 and to continue the growth of the asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program in the vacuum sector, Michael Breshgold, the USA Sales Manager, met with key clients and a number of leading vacuum industry stakeholders at the Vacuum Dealers Trade Association Show 2011, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Coinciding with the 30th Anniversary of the Association and an appearance by Ed Begley Jr. (pictured right with Michael Breshgold) the recently completed VDTA AGM was an unqualified success.

The level of interest in the Certification Program continues to be high with many vacuum manufacturers and retailers all communicating the message that asthma and allergy labelling issues are becoming a key part of the check list when buying products for the home.

In addition to all standard development and testing Allergy Standards jointly run a number of asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Programs around the world. ASL's research and innovation partner, airmid healthgroup, are at the forefront of research, innovation and prototype development with a number of global brands where product performance and allergy or asthma is of concern.

Michael attended a series of industry meetings, which included several specialist testing laboratories and large retailers.

As active stakeholders in the area of consumer product labelling the VDTA Show is part of several meetings in early 2011 that Michael will be attending to actively grow the Certification Program awareness.

These meetings taking place in early 2011 include Toy Fair (New York), Market Furniture Show (Las Vegas), AHR Expo - Air Conditioning, Heating and Filtration Show (Las Vegas), International Housewares Show (Chicago) and Home Fashion Market Week (New York).

Michael Breshgold can be contacted at michaelbreshgold@allergystandards.com.

Click here to view pre-event Press Release

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Allergy Standards Ltd Attends New York Toy Fair

Andrea Richardson — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:04:00 +0000

New York, USA, February 2011
Following other successful events in 2011 and to continue the growth of the asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program in the toy sector, Michael Breshgold, the USA Sales Manager, met with key clients and a number of leading toy industry stakeholders at the New York Toy Fair 2011, held at the Javitts Convention Center.

Toy Fair 2011 saw more than 10,000 buyers with a dramatic increase in licensors, entertainment executives and advertising/marketing executives - +35%, +53% and +40% respectively. The total number of attendees increased by 3%, international buyers increased by 9%, international attendees in total were up 13% (more than 10% of trade guests were international), and media attendance increased by 19%.

The level of interest in the Certification Program continues to be high with many toy manufacturers, retailers and laboratories all communicating the message that along with physical safetly, asthma and allergy labelling issues are becoming a key part of the check list for parents when buying toys.

Along with his key accounts such as Kids Preferred (products pictured right) and Build-A-Bear Workshop, Michael attended a series of industry meetings, which included several specialist toy testing laboratories and large retailers.

As active stakeholders in the area of consumer product labelling the Toy Fair is part of several meetings in over the coming months that Michael will be attending to actively grow the Certification Program awareness.

These meetings taking place in early 2011 include Market Furniture Show (Las Vegas), AHR Expo - Air Conditioning, Heating and Filtration Show (Las Vegas), Vacuum Dealers Trade Association AGM (Las Vegas), International Housewares Show (Chicago) and Home Fashion Market Week (New York).

Michael Breshgold can be contacted at michaelbreshgold@allergystandards.com.

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