Glossary
6 terms. Definitions are short and attributed; for medical questions see a clinician.
A
- Asthma & Allergy Friendly certification
- A certification programme run jointly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL). The programme states that products bearing its mark have been tested against its standards by an accredited, independent laboratory rather than by the manufacturer. Source
Related: Asthma and allergy friendly certification: what the program is, Best hypoallergenic pillows
D
- Dust mite
- A microscopic, insect-like pest that commonly lives in house dust and feeds on shed flakes of skin. The NIEHS describes dust mites as a major source of allergens that can live in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets and curtains. Source
Related: Why dust mites, not feathers, are the usual bedding allergen, Best hypoallergenic pillows
H
- Hypoallergenic
- A claim, made by manufacturers, that a product produces fewer allergic reactions than other products. The FDA states that there are no federal standards or definitions that govern use of the term for cosmetics, and that it means whatever a particular company wants it to mean. Source
Related: What does hypoallergenic mean?, Best hypoallergenic pillows
N
- Nickel allergy
- One of the most common causes of contact allergic dermatitis, in which dermatitis develops where nickel-containing metal touches the skin. DermNet notes that it is diagnosed by clinical history and patch testing. Source
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- Nickel release
- The rate at which an item releases nickel, measured in micrograms per square centimetre per week. EU REACH Annex XVII, entry 27, sets limits of 0.2 µg/cm²/week for posts inserted into pierced ears and other pierced parts of the body, and 0.5 µg/cm²/week for articles in direct and prolonged contact with the skin. Source
Related: The EU nickel rule for jewellery, explained, Nickel allergy and jewelry
O
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- A label for textiles tested for harmful substances. OEKO-TEX states that every item bearing the label has passed its tests against a list of harmful substances, with stricter requirements the closer the product sits to the skin. Source
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