And why it matters for a healthier home, school or workplace

In a recent episode of the “Go Fungal” podcast, Leah McInerney from Allergy Standards joined Matt Cornelison of Fungi Media to discuss the science, the partnerships, and the mission behind the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program.

You’ve likely seen the terms “eco-friendly”, “non-toxic” or “hypoallergenic” on many household products and building materials but with so many labels out there and so little regulation around health claims, how do you know what’s really better for your indoor air?

That’s where the CERTIFIED Asthma & Allergy Friendly® mark comes in.

This trusted certification was developed by medical experts and scientists specifically to help people make informed choices for healthier indoor environments. The Program is a unique collaboration between Allergy Standards Ltd and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), and it takes a whole-home approach, testing products to rigorous standards to ensure they can truly support healthier indoor air.

 

From the Emergency Room to Healthier Rooms : The Founder’s Story

The idea for the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program began in a different kind of setting: a hospital emergency room.

Dr. John McKeon, a physician and founder of Allergy Standards, was working in the ER when he repeatedly saw patients struggling with asthma and allergy symptoms. It became clear to him that while medications are necessary, the environments people return to after treatment matter just as much, as these environments contain numerous asthma & allergy triggers. What was missing was clear, science-backed guidance to help people choose products that support healthier indoor air.

So, he brought together a team of experts to create something new: a certification program that tests products under real-life conditions to see whether they can truly contribute to healthier indoor spaces.

A Whole-Home, Science-Backed Approach

Today, the Certification Program assesses products against over 50 standards, including:

Every product undergoes independent laboratory testing to check for common triggers like allergens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For example, Certified insulation is tested for chemical emissions both after installation and again 14 days later to ensure it meets strict standards that go well beyond basic compliance.

But the Program is about more than just passing tests.

As Leah McInerney explains in the Go Fungal podcast, the Certification Program supports companies early in the process by helping them refine products and effectively communicate those improvements to consumers. 

Trusted by Major Brands, Designed to Support You

Brands like Knauf, LG, 3M, Tarkett, Benjamin Moore, True Value, and Kleenex® have chosen to certify products through this program, not just for a stamp on the box, but because they want to show real commitment to consumer health and wellbeing.

The CERTIFIED Asthma & Allergy Friendly® mark also aligns with broader green building initiatives. Products that meet the Program’s standards often qualify for LEED® and WELL™ credits, which reward healthier material choices in homes, schools, and office buildings.

And it’s not just about better buildings but about better outcomes for everyone, especially those who are most impacted by poor indoor air quality.

Addressing Health Inequity and ESG Goals

The Certification Program’s impact goes beyond product testing. Through social impact efforts like the HEAL (Health Equity and Leadership) initiative, Certified partners help bring healthier products into underserved communities where asthma and allergy rates are disproportionately high.

One standout example is the Chicago Asthma Consortium’s Community Health Worker Forum, an event sponsored by Knauf North America, where the Certification Program collaborated with AAFA, and with donations from many Certified partners, packed and distributed 500 asthma education kits. The kits were filled with Certified product samples and AAFA materials and are now being used in schools, clinics, and neighborhoods across Chicago to support families living with asthma. The event empowered over 100 community health workers with the tools and knowledge to reduce environmental triggers in vulnerable homes.

Initiatives like this help companies fulfill their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities while making a tangible difference. Having CERTIFIED products enables brands to participate in meaningful efforts that promote health equity.

Education and Innovation at Every Step

Through its partnership with the iAIR Institute (Indoor Air Innovation and Research Institute) the Certification Program also supports ongoing education and innovation. The iAIR Academy offers specialized courses for designers, architects, and building professionals, promoting healthier indoor environments through smart design and better product choices.

Certified clients also gain access to a tailored private portal that provides access to marketing resources, science-backed data, and insights from leading experts.

One Certification. Many Benefits.

In these times of “well-washing” and marketing noise, the CERTIFIED Asthma & Allergy Friendly® mark stands out as a clear, science-backed symbol of trust. It was built for people living with asthma and allergies, but its impact extends to anyone who cares about the air they breathe at home, at work, or at school.

Whether you’re in construction and looking for healthier building products, a homeowner repainting your living room, or someone simply trying to reduce daily triggers, the Certification Program can help you make better choices.

As Leah says:

“Over 100 million people in the U.S. are living with asthma and allergies. Ten people, in the USA, die every day from asthma, a shocking statistic. And of course, if people need medicine, they absolutely need medicine. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things we can do every day in our homes to make life easier, small actions that can help reduce triggers and improve day-to-day wellbeing.”

Look for the Mark

When you see the CERTIFIED Asthma & Allergy Friendly® mark, you’re seeing credible science, trusted partnerships, and a deep commitment to your health, all working together to help you create a healthier indoor environment.