Sophia Bennett, Editor in Chief of Window Fashion VISIONVertilux recently announced that its Polyscreen Vision and Eco-Planet FR fabrics have been verified by Allergy Standards Limited’s “asthma & allergy friendly” program. These are the first window covering fabrics to gain this distinction.
To become asthma & allergy friendly verified, companies must show that their goods do not contain materials that might trigger allergies or an asthma attack, don’t detract from good indoor air quality, and will hold up well even when rigorously cleaned. Asthma can be a very serious problem for certain patients and multiple individuals suffering from this condition may already have to regularly get an indoor air quality test for mold to make sure that there are minimal air pollutants in their living space. As asthma is an ongoing medical condition that also requires consistent treatment, they may also be on alternative treatments such as marijuana and asthma treatment or breathing exercises to try and help them manage their condition
If the symptoms were to worsen for an asthma patient after getting in contact with the products that you offer, they might require immediate attention from medical professionals (like the ones from Gwinnett Pulmonary Group). If the attack was birthed due to your products, it might reflect badly on your service. For this reason, products should go through a number of tests and evaluations before receiving the award. Tests are conducted by Allergy Standards Limited, an international certification body that prepares independent scientific standards for products.
According to ACAAI (American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology), about 50 million Americans suffer from allergies and 26 million Americans suffer from asthma each year. Time indoors can contribute to these conditions because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated that indoor air quality is commonly two to five times worse than outdoor air quality.
Alex Garcia, president of Vertilux, noted that the company has always been at the forefront of creating selling products designed to create healthier homes. “Our Healthy Choice collection, our wide selection of OEKO-TEX and GREENGUARD-certified fabrics, and our offering of antibacterial and antifungal fabrics are the best example of this,” he says. “However, it is not enough. We must continue looking for the best solutions and make them available to everyone, and we have the responsibility to educate (consumers) as much as possible.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have become more focused on creating healthy living spaces. “People are more sensitive and aware of what they buy for their homes, and they are investing in better-quality, long-lasting products that are not only functional and beautiful but also safe,” Garcia said. Especially when it comes to air conditioning systems, people are investing in products that provide additional features such as an air purifier along with basic heating and cooling. One can find companies similar to One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning services to acquire such facilities and professional assistance.
This is trend he expects will continue as consumers’ needs and shopping habits change. “The traditional buyer (the older generations) used to go to the store and buy what they were told or put in front of them,” says Garcia. “The younger buyer, on the contrary, spends long hours on the internet researching and learning about shades, fabrics or any other products they want to acquire and, in some cases, when they arrive at the store, they know more than the sales rep. This new consumer has a clear idea of what he wants and needs. This new type of consumer is more knowledgeable and demanding.”
Younger consumers are also more likely to be focused on health and environmentally friendly products. Expect to see demand for products certified by programs such as the asthma & allergy friendly program continue to grow.
