During the asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification process, a floor covering is subjected to both physical and chemical testing in independent laboratories to ensure that it does not have properties that are likely to irritate both asthma and allergy symptoms in susceptible people. All certified floor coverings must demonstrate the following characteristics:

• The floor covering should have a low capacity for allergen retention
• The manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures must be effective at removing accumulated allergen from the floor covering
• The recommended cleaning procedures of the floor covering must not contribute to a significant increase in airborne allergen levels that may result in redistribution of rather than overall reduction of allergen
• Exposure to airborne solvents and other irritant or toxic materials during floor covering installation and thereafter when in use must not exceed Certification thresholds