A recent Expert Panel from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute* reemphasized that one of the cornerstones of asthma management is to reduce exposure, to allergens to which we are sensitive. Effective allergen avoidance requires a multifaceted, comprehensive approach. Individual steps alone generally do not work.

Effective laundering is a key component to a multifaceted approach.

For House-dust mite allergen control measures the Expert Panel recommends actions which include washing sheets and blankets and other items weekly in hot water at a temperature of >130 °F which is necessary for killing house-dust mites.

The certification program has included washing machines to address this concern and to scientifically validate the certified machines are shown to kill dust mites and remove residual allergen.

The Certification program is proud to announce that the Certification Mark can now be found on LG steam washing machines.

This range of washing machines have passed the Certification Standard which tells you:

• They heat the water to the 'hot-wash' temperature which is above 55^oC (131^oF) which is the temperature required to kill dust mites.

• In the Allergy Standards Ltd Certification Testing facility they have been proven to kill dust mites.

• They remove 95% or more of household allergens derived from dust mites and cat dander.

To find out more information on certified washing machines click here.

For more information on the washing machine certification standard click here.

* National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma Full Report 2007.