Cleanlink News March 6 2009
New Certification Standard for HEPA Filters
The growing asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program announced that it has developed and adopted a certification standard and testing protocol for HEPA, (high efficiency particulate air) Air Cleaning Devices.
The program, which is administered by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America in partnership with the international research organization, Allergy Standards Limited, is an independent, non-exclusive certification program created to scientifically test and identify products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a growing body of scientific evidence indicates that air within buildings can contain more allergens and pollutants than outdoor air, even in the largest and most industrialized cities. Symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality can include irritated eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Symptoms of some diseases, including asthma and respiratory allergies, may be triggered by exposure to indoor allergens and irritants. Experts suggest that the use of certain HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter devices may help reduce the level of airborne allergens when used as part of a comprehensive allergen reduction and environmental control plan for office or home.
The asthma & allergy friendly Certification process subjects air cleaners to performance-based testing to ensure they demonstrate the ability to reduce the total airborne allergen levels in a defined space. Assessment for certification requires that the air cleaner be evaluated in terms of indoor allergen levels that are representative of those found in both air and surface samples of typical homes. The asthma & allergy friendly Certification Mark is awarded only to those air cleaning products that have been scientifically proven to meet the strict allergen reduction standards set by the program.
