Asthma And Allergy Foundation Of America Urges Americans To Be Aware Of Indoor Allergens, Too

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Allergy
Article Date: 27 Apr 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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Allergies have a strong hold on Americans this season. The cold winter weather is finally releasing its grip on most of the U.S. and record spring temperatures are popping up, bringing record pollen counts, too. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recently revealed its new rankings for the 100 Spring Allergy Capitals - the most challenging places to live for people with allergies in the U.S.

Researchers at AAFA looked at allergy prevalence, pollen counts, medication usage and the number of specialists in each city to compile the rankings. Tulsa, OK, came out as the top Spring Allergy Capital this year.

A complete list of the rankings and methodology is posted at http://www.AllergyCapitals.com, as well as hundreds of pages of free allergy care and prevention tips. The top five Spring Allergy Capitals this year are:

1. Tulsa, OK
2. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
3. Fort Myers, FL
4. San Antonio, TX
5. Tucson, AZ

Although outdoor tree pollen is the primary problem in for people with asthma and allergies in the spring, experts caution Americans to remember indoor allergens, too. "Allergens are still causing problems in our homes during this time of year," says Dr. Robert Overholt, a Board Certified allergist in Knoxville and host of the award-winning Dr. Bob Show on the AmericanLife Television Network. "My patients are always asking for more information about how to control allergens indoors."

Experts agree that allergy and asthma triggers can be found throughout your home all year long. They recommend having a good plan for allergen avoidance, and using the right kinds of tools to remove and reduce your exposure to indoor triggers. That's why AAFA created a new resource for people who are concerned about allergens in the home. The nonprofit group has partnered with the International research and testing organization Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) to test and certify household products as asthma friendly®.

To date, the program has published "asthma friendly" standards for vacuum cleaners, bedding, flooring and soft toys. Products that meet the high testing standards are scientifically proven to help reduce allergens indoors, even while spring pollen outdoors hits its peak. Detailed information about standards and certified products are posted at http://www.asthmafriendly.com.

"The Spring Allergy Capital rankings are a reminder that allergy and asthma triggers are everywhere, including indoors," says Mike Tringale, Director of External Affairs at AAFA. "It's a wake-up call to remember about indoor allergen control as an important part of your spring cleaning plan."

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is the leading nonprofit consumer and patient organization fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free information to the public, offers educational programs to consumers and health professionals, leads advocacy efforts to improve patient care, and supports research to find cures.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
http://www.aafa.org