Open hand raised, Stop Asthma sign painted

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) announced that Sanitaire EON ALLERGEN Upright Vacuum cleaner has earned asthma & allergy friendly Certification. This is the first commercial upright vacuum cleaner to receive the program’s mark.

The asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program, an independent program established in the United States by AAFA with their partner ASL, helps consumers identify products more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.

“Sanitaire is excited to offer the first CERTIFIED commercial floor care product to be recognized by AAFA” said David Parkes, Sanitaire general manager of commercial floor care. “We are committed to creating cleaner facilities and reducing absenteeism in the key verticals we serve including commercial buildings, healthcare and education.”

Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, so having a clean indoor environment is important to controlling asthma and allergy symptoms. Used in commercial environments, a CERTIFIED vacuum can help reduce exposure to allergens like dust mites and cockroach debris and improve indoor air quality.

“We are happy to certify the Sanitaire EON ALLERGEN Upright Vacuum as suitable for those with asthma and allergies,” said Dr. John McKeon, CEO of ASL. “Our rigorous scientific testing shows it will be a viable option for commercial environments concerned with maintaining good indoor air quality.”

The asthma & allergy friendly Certification Mark is awarded only to products that are scientifically proven to meet the program’s strict standards.

To earn the CERTIFIED mark, vacuum cleaners are evaluated for:
 • The capability to remove allergen-containing dust from carpets
 • Amount of airborne allergen levels during vacuuming
 • Integrity of the air filtration system
 • Performance of the vacuum cleaner immediately prior to replacing bag, receptacle emptying signal and filter change signal
 • Assessment of exposure to allergens changing the bag or emptying the receptacle

“Healthy air in schools, workplaces and hospitals is important for the health of people who spend time in those environments,” said AAFA’s President and CEO Kenny Mendez. “The Sanitaire EON Allergen Upright Vacuum is a welcome and much-needed addition to our program created to benefit those with asthma and allergies.”

Allergens in buildings can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

“No matter how new or old a building is, there may be hidden indoor air pollution and allergens coming from wall-to-wall carpeting,” said Melanie Carver, AAFA’s Vice President of Community Health and Services. “The first week of May is Air Quality Awareness Week, so it’s a great time for businesses and organizations to address air quality improvement in the workplace.”