by Anna O’Donovan, Medical and Lifestyle Author
Dr. John Ryan to present key updates on allergen removal testing at the IEC Milan Working Group 16 meeting
As the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) gathers in Milan this October, experts from around the world will convene to advance global standards that influence the performance, reliability, and health relevance of household appliances.
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025 (9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), Dr. John Ryan, CEO of iAIR Health Laboratories, will present at Working Group 16 (WG16) during the SC59D bundled meetings. His presentation, “Maintenance for IEC 60734 and Preparation of Other Cross-Product Publications,” will provide an update on the group’s ongoing work reviewing IEC 60734 and developing cross-product publications that connect appliance performance to public health outcomes.
A central focus of Dr. Ryan’s update at IEC Milan will be the Preliminary Work Item (PWI) titled “Washing Machines for Household Use – Method for Measuring Allergen Reduction Performance.” This initiative aims to establish a harmonized international testing method to evaluate how effectively washing machines reduce allergens such as dust mite proteins and pet dander under controlled laboratory conditions.
Since the kick-off meeting in May 2025, experts from across industry and academia, including representatives from Electrolux, BSH, Miele, Gorenje, Whirlpool, and Swissatest, have contributed to the framework for this new standard. The upcoming IEC Milan session will review progress on:
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Alignment with existing IEC standards
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Selection of target allergens and soiling matrices
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Experimental design and reproducibility
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Measurement and reporting methodologies
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Health relevance and protective thresholds
This collaborative effort marks an important step in defining measurable allergen removal performance, an important parameter in understanding how appliance design and operation can support healthier indoor environments.
The IEC’s work in this area highlights the growing recognition that standards can do more than define functionality, they can shape health outcomes by improving indoor air and surface hygiene. The iAIR Group’s contribution highlights its continued commitment to scientific rigor, standardization, and the creation of healthier living environmentsworldwide.
Stay tuned for post-event insights as Dr. Ryan and the iAIR team continue to share scientific expertise that informs the next generation of international standards.
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