eco-hotels for allergy sufferers

Mites in hotel beds are a nightmare for allergy sufferers. The European Foundation for Allergy Research ECARF ( https://www.ecarf.org/ ) has set itself the task of improving the quality of life of allergy sufferers. It is the only internationally oriented foundation in the field of allergies. The foundation is located in the Allergy Center Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and is represented in eight European countries by leading dermatologists and allergists. Prof. Dr. med. Dr. hc Torsten Zuberbier is Chairman and Managing Director of the Clinic for Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology at the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Better quality of life for allergy sufferers

Through education and research projects, ECARF aims to improve the quality of life of allergy sufferers. Since 2006, the foundation has awarded a quality seal for allergy-friendly products and services.

More information about the seal can be found at https://ecarf-siegel.org/

ECARF-certified hotels

Numerous hotels (including many organic hotels), guest houses , holiday homes and holiday apartments in Germany , Austria , Switzerland and other European countries have already received the certificate. But not only individual hotels, even entire holiday resorts in Germany have already been awarded the certificate by the foundation as allergy-friendly. More than 1,500 products and services have already been awarded the certificate.

allergy-friendly rooms

A stay in a hotel often presents a health challenge for people with allergies. For example, if a room previously housed guests with a dog or cat, people with respiratory allergies can immediately experience symptoms if they come into contact with the animal hair left behind. Even the best vacuum cleaner cannot completely remove animal hair from carpets. Only a room that has not had any pets as guests can be called an allergy-friendly room .

People with food allergies, on the other hand, need special catering options ( allergy-friendly cuisine ) in order to be able to eat without any problems. However, pet-free rooms and floors are not enough for many people, because people who are allergic to dust mites need special rooms, if possible without carpet and with special protective covers (allergen-impermeable encasings) for allergy sufferers for the mattresses and bed linen.

Allergy-friendly facilities

Allergy-friendly hotel rooms should be smoke-free, contain no allergenic green plants and potted plants should only be grown in hydroponic cultures. There should also be window ventilation or an externally controlled air conditioning and ventilation system. The rooms should be cleaned with cleaning products that are gentle on the skin and respiratory tract.

Hotels with allergy-friendly cuisine

In the restaurant of an allergy-friendly hotel, the staff should be able to list the ingredients of the food used if allergy sufferers, such as those suffering from celiac disease ( gluten intolerance ) or lactose intolerance , ask about it.

hotels with ECARF certification