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Why Hypoallergenic certified products?
The word hypoallergenic is used to describe items that cause or are claimed to cause fewer allergic reactions. People with severe allergies and asthma may still be affected a ot by using allergenic products.
Hypoallergenic products may be appealing because they promise fewer health risks to allergy-sufferers and enable them to do things they might not be able to do otherwise.
But why are some products said to be safer for people with allergies than others? What makes something truly hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic in literally means “less allergenic.” Products labeled hypoallergenic are purportedly less likely to cause an allergic reaction in the person using them. This is because they are contain fewer allergens, the substances and particles that irritate allergy-sufferers and cause them to have a reaction.
Hypoallergenic is more or less synonymous with “allergy-friendly.”
It is difficult to create standards for the hypoallergenic label in part because of the mysterious nature of allergies themselves. The root causes of allergies are not yet entirely understood. And because allergies are a disorder of the immune system, which is different in every person, no two people’s allergies are exactly the same.
This is why hypoallergenic does not mean “allergy-free” or “non-allergenic.” There can be no guarantee that a product will never cause an allergic reaction in every individual. Rather, hypoallergenic only means that the product is less likely to cause a reaction compared to other similar products, whether that means a lot or a little.
If you or someone you know suffers from allergies, hypoallergenic should be a signal for you to look more closely at the advantages that product might offer.
ALLERGY UK SEAL OF APPROVAL
The Seal established in 1995, Allergy UK's Seal of Approval™ is a globally recognised product endorsement. It is currently used in 135 countries across the world by over 100 companies on a wide variety of products.
The Seal of Approval is an endorsement of products which have been independently scientifically tested and proven to reduce or remove allergens from the indoor environment.
It is also an endorsement for products which do not contain allergens likely to cause a reaction and have been independently clinically tested and assessed as more suitable for people affected by allergy.
What's Involved?
There are different testing protocols for each product type, as each product operates in different ways to achieve the removal/reduction of various allergens.
Scientific testing to prove efficiency in reducing/removing allergens includes how each product would realistically be used by a consumer.
All protocols have been created by scientists and leading allergy specialists and they are unique and exclusive to ARL. They are based on industry methods for testing products/appliances for performance (e.g. compliant with EN/IEC/AHAM standards) and enhanced to include specific criteria relative to the removal/reduction of allergens.
Applications take a minimum of twelve weeks to complete. Completion time is dependent on the product and the range of tests that are necessary.
Once the application has been approved the product/s will be issued with a licence agreement which permits the use of our Seal of Approval™ logo. Licence agreements are renewable annually.
Features and Benefits
ALLERGY UK Seal of Approval is the most prestigious for product endorsements. Recognised worldwide, the distinctive logo demonstrates to your customers that you are committed to helping the millions of people who live with allergic disease, by marketing a product that is intended to make everyday life more bearable.
Direct access to a target audience seeking products to help improve their daily lives.
Providing credibility for your product through our robust independent testing (carried out by a laboratory operating at ISO17025 standard), expert scientific and clinical review.
Affiliation with the leading allergy patient charity in the UK, whose reputation is worldwide, and the opportunity to create further awareness through working with us on bespoke projects.
Media activity around the inclusion of your product in the scheme to national, trade and consumer on- and off-line media.
The product information will be displayed on Allergy UK's website.
Allergy UK's Helpline Advisors are trained in all aspects of allergy and are able to refer people to products that have achieved our Seal of Approval.
ALLERGEN FRIENDLY PRODUCTS AWARD
This award is for products which are ‘unlikely or less likely to cause a reaction’ and ‘may be of benefit’ when used by someone affected by allergy. These products are assessed based on their formulation and benefit.
For more information, see:
http://www.allergyresearch.co.uk/allergy-friendly-product-award