CRI Celebrates Asthma Awareness Month
Donates Green-Label Vacuums to American Lung Association of Georgia

Contact: CRI Communications Department, 706.428.2103

ATLANTA, Ga. (May 2003) The month of May has been designated as Allergy and Asthma month for the past 19 years. This month-long observance helps to increase awareness of allergies and asthma and the millions of lives they impact each day.

Charles White, Chief Executive Officer of the American Lung Association of Georgia, and Dr. Steven J. Phillips, Director of Issues Communications for The Carpet and Rug Institute

In support of this monthly designation established through the efforts of the Allergy and Asthma Foundation (AAFA) in 1984, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has donated Green Label-approved vacuum cleaners to the American Lung Association of Georgia.

The vacuum cleaners meet the stringent tests warranted to achieve the CRI indoor air quality Green Label and will be ferried to asthma and allergy sufferers through the ALA of Georgia in an effort to make a difference in the lives of those afflicted.

According to the AAFA, about one in every five adults and children suffer from allergies. The role of carpet has been scientifically proven to trap many of the allergens which trigger allergies and allergic asthma and keep them out of the breathing zone to help alleviate problems for those who suffer the condition. Trapping the allergens is a big part of the battle, but actually removing them from the carpet is also of the utmost importance, and that is why the Green Label program was developed. Vacuum cleaners are tested and approved based on their ability not only to clean the carpet and remove the soil, but also on their ability to keep the allergens and particles contained inside the machine and out of the breathing zones.

"Vacuum manufacturers send in various models to be tested so they can carry the Green Label designation. We send them off to an independent lab which performs a series of tests to determine if they qualify for the Green Label designation. Obviously, we get our fair share of vacuum cleaners and have always tried to place as many of them as we can in the hands of those who most need them," said Dr. Steven J. Phillips, PhD, head of CRI's Issues Communications.

"The American Lung Association here in Georgia is a great organization and does a lot to educate and help those who suffer from breathing problems, so we felt like it would be great way to place these vacuum cleaners in some real folks' hands who could best utilize them. Carpet can be a wonderful asset to the indoor air environment, especially when it is well maintained," Dr. Phillips said.

Scientific studies have shown that maintained carpet in the bedroom correlates into fewer asthma symptoms and less bronchial responsiveness than those bedrooms without carpet. Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors and it is important to maintain a healthy indoor environment. Learn more about carpet and your health on CRI's website.