Barb Wilkie's EHN Website
Last updated 2008

EHN Board President Barb Wilkie was very ill from chemically-induced kidney disease for several years. She passed away May 31, 2011. EHN presents this site both as a tribute and as valuable information. Many links and references will be out of date but Barb's research holds up over time. We will be transferring the site page by page, with updated details, to EHN's main site. If you would like to reach an EHN staff person, please contact us directly.

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Environmental Health Network
We all are stakeholders when it comes to breathing.©

Government LINKS

Section 1: A - F

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Slowly scroll through this site using the outbound links as time allows, or click on an alpha character above to quickly reach the agency in alpha order. Or, use

quick clicks to:
ABAG | Access Board | ADA | ATSDR | BAAQMD | California

California Building Standards Commission

Canada | CARB | CDC | CDPR | Congress | CPSC | | DOJ

EEOC | EPA | European Comm. | FDA

Gov't links G - Z | HUD | JAN | NIEHS | NIOSH | OSHA



Visit Thomas -- Legislative Information on the Internet
http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.html
Remember, you can use your browser's find command!

General Questions about USA Government?
http://www.firstgov.gov/


Homepage: www.ehnca.org


NOTE: This section has been divided to speed loading. You should be able to use it as if it were all one document.

Please also visit our General Links pages, where each letter of the alphabet represents a separate page. For example, if you are looking for a link to ALA or AMA and their acknowledgement that fragrances can trigger asthma, or perhaps American PIE (Public Information on the Environment), go to page A. For information on fragrances or perfume, see Fragrances. If you are interested in the work of Julia Kendall, visit page K. Page M will provide links to other MCS sites. Page S will take you to SAFE Schools as well as an international site pertaining to MCS: SaferWorld.

Links are cross-referrenced as time allows.





A

ABAG (Association of Bay Area Governments)
http://www.abag.ca.gov/



Access Board -- U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
    "The Board, created in 1973, has served the nation as the only independent federal agency
    whose primary mission is accessibility for people with disabilities ."

    Keep abreast of Access Board activities ... they may be coming to a city near you. Join them! --barb
    http://www.access-board.gov/

ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act)
Also see GENERAL Links (http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/a.htm#ADA)


Browse EPA's Publications
http://www.epa.gov/clhtml/pubalpha.html

 

  • 1991 Report: Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in
    Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments

    http://www.ourlittleplace.com/epa.html

  • 1992 Final Report: Polar Organic Compounds in Fragrances of Consumer Products
    http://www.fpinva.org/composition.analysis.EPA.htm

  • 402K01003 Healthy Buildings, Healthy People: Vision for the 21st Century
    http://www.epa.gov/cgi-bin/claritgw?op-Display&document=clserv:epa-cinb:1849;&rank=4&template=epa

     

  • Air Toxics
    http://www.epa.gov/oar/airtoxic.html

  • Allegations of Significant Adverse Reactions
    TSCA Section 8(c); 40 CFR Part 717

    "Under TSCA Section 8(c), companies can be required to record,
    retain and in some cases report 'allegations of significant adverse
    reactions' to any substance/mixture that they produce, import,
    process, or distribute. EPA's TSCA Section 8(c) rule requires
    producers, importers, and certain processors of chemical
    substances and mixtures to keep records concerning significant
    adverse reaction allegations and report those records to EPA upon
    notice in the Federal Register or upon notice by letter. The
    TSCA Section 8(c) rule also provides a mechanism to identify
    previously unknown chemical hazards in that it may reveal patterns
    of adverse effects which otherwise may not be otherwise noticed
    or detected.

    "An 'Allegation' is defined as 'a statement, made without formal
    proof or regard for evidence, that a chemical substance or mixture
    that a chemical substance or mixture has caused a significant
    adverse reaction to health or the environment.'

    " 'Significant adverse reactions' are defined as 'reactions that may
    indicate a substantial impairment of normal activities, or long
    lasting or irreversible damage to health or the environment.' "

    http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemtest/sect8c.htm

     

  • Chemical Hazard Data Availability Study
    "Of the 3,000 chemicals that the US imports or produces at more than 1 million lbs/yr,
    a new EPA analysis finds that 43% of these high production volume chemicals have no
    testing data on basic toxicity and only seven percent have a full set of basic test data. This
    lack of test data compromises the public's right to know about the chemicals that are
    found in their environment, their homes, their workplace, and the products that they
    buy. Industry must do more to ensure that basic information is available on every
    high-production chemical they manufacture."
    http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemtest/hazchem.htm

     

  • Chemicals in Our Environment
    Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics: Fact Sheets
    http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemfact/index.html

  • Chemical References, EMCI
    http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/emci/chemref/index.html

  • Chemical Reference Links by Chemical Name
    http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/emci/chemref/complete_index.html

  • Chemical Testing & Information
    http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemtest/index.htm

    • Green Chemistry Program
      http://www.epa.gov/greenchemistry/

       

    • Learn about the chemicals around your home
      62902 -- Watch it here, folks. The EPA does not have the air "freshener" as an interactive,
      and it claims that baby oil and petroleum jelly are not the least toxic. Check out MSDS to see
      for yourself. By the bye, according to American Heritage Dictionary, toxic means "Capable of
      causing injury or death, especially by chemical means; poisonous." And that, certainly includes
      synthetic fragrances which are in baby oil AND air "fresheners." -- barb

      http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/kids/hometour/index.htm

       

      • What is exposure?
        The term exposure means coming in contact with a chemical. There are
        three ways you can come in contact with a chemical:

          - inhalation - by breathing in the fumes of the chemical
          - dermal - having the chemical splash or spill on your skin
          - ingestion - eating or swallowing a chemical
        http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/kids/hometour/exposure.htm

         

  • Children's Environmental Health & Safety
    Inventory of Research (CHEHSIR)

    "CHEHSIR is a publicly accessible database created and maintained in response to
    United States Presidential Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children) . It was
    created to ensure that researchers and Federal research agencies have access to
    information on all research conducted or funded by the Federal Government that is
    related to adverse health risks in children resulting from exposure to environmental
    health risks or safety risks. This information is available to the public, scientific, and
    academic communities, as well as all Federal agencies. "
    http://oaspub.epa.gov/chehsir/chehsir.page

     

  • Children's Health Protection, Office (OCHP)
    http://www.epa.gov/children/

  • High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals
  • Greening Your Purchase of Cleaning Products
    When known as The Cleaning Products Pilot Project , it carried this line:
    "A basic principle of pollution prevention is to avoid additives
    that are unnecessary." Fragrances are such additives! For more
    information on synthetic scents, see EHN's FDA Petition.

    http://www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/documents/clean/cleaning1.htm


  • Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project
    I suggest they enhance pollution prevention by moving to fragrance-FREE products! -- barb http://www.westp2net.org/Janitorial/jp4.htm

     

  • Collected Papers of William Sanjour
    "After 28 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and being close to
    retirement, I decided to try to gather all the things I have written about EPA and my
    experience as a whistleblower in one place. I will continue to add to these pages until
    they are complete or I die, whichever comes first. I welcome your comments. - William Sanjour "
    http://pwp.lincs.net/sanjour/Default.htm

     

  • Concerned Citizens
    http://www.epa.gov/epahome/r2k.htm

  • Consumer Labeling Initiative
    Phase I Report; September 30, 1996
    http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/labeling2/phase1/cli2_5.txt

  • Contaminents -- Look here for lead programs also.
    http://www.epa.gov/regional/statelocal/contam.htm

  • Disinfectants -- classified as Pesticides
  • Drinking Water
    http://www.epa.gov/safewater/

     

  • "Eco Heros" sought by EPA (Watch for this program in the spring)
    http://www.epa.gov/region09

  • The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program
    Web Site is now under the Office of Science Coordination and Policy (OSCP).
    http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo



  • Envirofacts
    EPA databases on Air, Chemicals, Facility Information, Grants/Funding,
    Hazardous Waste, Risk Management Plans, Superfund, Toxic Releases, and
    Water Permits, Drinking Water, Drinking Water Contaminant Occurrence, and
    Drinking Water Microbial and Disinfection Byproduct Information
    http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/ef_overview.html

    Environmental Sciences Division

  • Formaldehyde
    http://www.epa.gov/iaq/formalde.html

  • General Interest Programs (such as Brownfields . . . Endocrine Disruptors Research Initiative . . .)
    http://www.epa.gov/epahome/general.htm

  • Global Warming
    http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/impacts/index.html

  • Grant-Writing Tutorial
    http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/seahome/grants.html

  • Green Chemistry Program
    http://www.epa.gov/greenchemistry/

     

  • Greening Uncle Sam (GUS) -- Purchasing Tool Site
    Database on Environmental Information for Products and Services
    "The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Database is a tool to make it easier
    to purchase products and services with reduced environmental impacts. The database
    is organized like a shopping mall with environmental information for selected products
    and services located within each store. ..."
    http://www.epa.gov/oppt/epp/database.htm

     

  • Hazardous Air Pollutants, original list with CAS number
    (Use CAS number to look up on MSDS sheets)
    http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/188polls.html

     

  • Hazardous Waste -- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Subtitle C
    http://www.fixr.com/info/hazardous-waste.html

  • Health Care Industry's Impact on the Environment: Strategies for global change.
    Funding provided in part by
    The John Merck Fund
    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
    The American Nurses Association
    http://uvmce.uvm.edu:443/hlthcare/waste.html

  • Health Effects Notebook for Hazardous Air Pollutants
    http://www.epa.gov/ttn/uatw/hapindex.html

  • High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals
  • Home Audit
    http://www.ehw.org/Healthy_House/HH_Moist_Audit.htm
  • Hormone [endocrine] Disrupters
    "... The hormone disrupters are more evidence that
    chemicals can be dangerous even if they don't cause
    cancer. In humans, as in animals, hormones have many
    communications jobs, affecting mood and memory,
    reproduction and development, virtually any biological
    process you can name. ..."
    http://whyfiles.news.wisc.edu:80/045env_hormone/main1.html

  • Household Hazardous Waste Management
    This education also might benefit the community by reducing the quantity of HHW
    collected in subsequent programs. Information about HHW also should reach public
    officials, civic groups, solid waste personnel,and the business community to encourage financ
    http://www.epa.gov:80/epaoswer/non-hw/househld/hhw/Sec09.pdf

  • Indoor Air ...

    EPA: "Studies have found that levels of several organics average 2 to 5 times higher
    indoors than outdoors. During and for several hours immediately after certain activities,
    such as paint stripping, levels may be 1,000 times background outdoor levels."
    http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html

     

  • Exposure Pathways - EPA's Emergency Response Program
    "... Air. When the hazardous substance takes the form of vapors or is absorbed by particulate matter (e.g., dust), the simple act of breathing can expose people to contamination. In some cases, a person's skin can absorb a hazardous substance in vapor form, although inhalation is considered the greater threat. ..." http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/er/hazsubs/pathways.htm
    • Asthma in Schools
      "Each day, one in five Americans occupies a school building and the majority of these
      occupants are children. Environmental asthma triggers commonly found in school
      buildings are cockroaches and other pests, mold resulting from excess moisture in the
      building, and dander from animals in the classroom. Secondhand smoke and dust mites
      are other known environmental asthma triggers found in schools. In addition, some
      literature suggests children with asthma may be affected by other pollutants found
      in schools from such sources as un-vented stoves or heaters and common products
      such as cleaning agents, perfumes, and sprays. [Emphasis added.]
      Last updated on Friday, July 23rd, 2004
      http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma/asthma_in_schools.htm

       

      • About Asthma Triggers
        "... Irritants such as cold air, cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals, perfume, and paint
        and gasoline fumes can trigger asthma. These irritants probably trigger asthma symptoms
        by stimulating irritant receptors in the respiratory tract. These receptors, in turn, cause
        the muscles surrounding the airway to constrict, resulting in an asthma attack. ..."
        Last updated on Monday, July 26th, 2004
        http://www.epa.gov/iaq/asthma/introduction.html

         

      • EPA's FAQs . . . Shared air in apartment buildings . . .
        "... What this means is that many activities (fragrant cooking, applying perfume or
        cologne,
        smoking, etc.) occurring in one apartment can be shared with other apartments
        for many different reasons. ..."
        Last updated on Tuesday, July 13th, 2004
        http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ets/frequent_questions.html

         

      • I-BEAM Text Modules: Fundamentals of IAQ in Buildings
        "This module provides the fundamentals to understanding indoor air quality. It provides a
        rudimentary framework for understanding how indoor and outdoor sources of
        pollution, heat and humidity, together with the ventilation and air conditioning systems
        affect the indoor air quality in buildings. It also begins to address methods of
        controlling those factors in order that the quality of the air which occupants experience
        provides for their health, comfort and performance."

        Table 1.1 Indoor Pollutants and Potential Sources
        Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) . . . "Paints, stains, varnishes, solvents, pesticides, adhesives, wood preservatives, waxes, polishes, cleansers, lubricants, sealants, dyes, air fresheners, fuels, plastics, copy machines, printers, tobacco products, perfumes, dry cleaned clothing." [Emphasis added.]

        Table 1.2 Indoor Sources and Tips for Mitigation
        Occupant-Related Sources personal products (e.g., perfume) [Emphasis added.]
        http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/i-beam_html/ch1-fund.htm
      I've searched EPA from time to time over the years for word of perfume pollution. I admit
      I do not do regular checks, certainly not daily, nor even monthly. But, I must say, I am so very
      pleased to see that at least one government agency charged with protecting public health is starting
      to let the public know that perfume pollutes. What we need is for the FDA to inform the public of
      the various adverse health events that can be associated with the using of perfumed products
      or breathing perfume used by others. Until such time, think of perfume as a timebomb in a
      bottle . . . for you and those around you. There are safer alternatives. Be a wise shopper. -- barb; 9/25/04

     

  • Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers (BAQ Guide)
    http://www.epa.gov/iaq/base/baqtoc.html

  • Children's Health Protection, Office (OCHP)
    Notice the second paragraph! -- barb
    http://www.epa.gov/children/air.htm

  • The Cleaning Products Pilot Project
    Do look at this! -- barb
    "A basic principle of pollution prevention is to avoid additives that are unnecessary."
    http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/epp/cleaners/select/r_text.htm



  • Green Chemistry
    http://www.epa.gov/greenchemistry/

     

  • Healthy Indoor Painting Practices PDF file, 579KB.
    I have not reviewed this publication. -- barb
    http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/exposure/docs/inpaint5.pdf

     

  • Indoor Air Quality Homepage
    http://www.epa.gov/iaq/

    • Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse (IAQINFO) -- Hotlines
      You may call the toll-free number (800) 438-4318 to speak to an information specialist,
      Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time. After hours, you may leave a
      voice message, or you may make inquiries by fax [(202) 484-1510] or via e-mail:
      iaqinfo@aol.com anytime.


  • DO YOU SUSPECT YOUR OFFICE HAS AN INDOOR AIR PROBLEM?
    http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html#Suspect

  • IAQ Publications -- index
    http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html

  • IAQ Info -- Sources
    http://www.epa.gov/iaq/iaqinfo.html

  • Indoor Air Facts No. 4 (revised) -- Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
    For those of you who need this information at a glance, it is copied from the fact sheet you can link
    to (immediately below). I believe the sentence of note, if you have had a "clean air report"
    used aganist you by your employer, is: "Contaminant concentration levels rarely
    exceed existing standards and guidelines even when occupants continue to report health
    complaints
    ." Remember, standards are often set by the industry -- with healthy,
    strapping, young males in mind. --barb


    "Although air sampling for contaminants might seem
    to be the logical response to
    occupant complaints, it seldom
    provides information about possible causes. While certain basic
    measurements, e.g., temperature, relative humidity, CO2, and air
    movement, can provide a useful "snapshot" of current building
    conditions, sampling for specific pollutant concentrations is often
    not required to solve the problem and can even be misleading.
    Contaminant concentration levels rarely exceed existing standards
    and guidelines even when occupants continue to report health
    complaints. Air sampling should not be undertaken until
    considerable information on the factors listed above has been
    collected, and any sampling strategy should be based on a
    comprehensive understanding of how the building operates and the
    nature of the complaints."

    http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/sbs.html

  • INDOOR AIR POLLUTION An Introduction for Health Professionals
    http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/hpguide.html
    and available through ...
    http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html

     

  • The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality
    http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/insidest.html


  • Office of Radiation and Indoor Air Indoor Environments Division
    http://www.epa.gov/oar/oria_ied.html

    • Tools for Schools Indoor Air Kit

      "... The kit, which costs $22, contains general indoor air quality
      information, sample policies and memos, checklists, a
      management plan, and an indoor air quality problem-solving
      wheel. [Request forms for ordering] via phone: 1-800-438-4318
      or by writing to:
      Radiation and Indoor Air Section (AE-17J)
      U.S. EPA Region 5
      77 West Jackson Blvd.
      Chicago, IL 60604"
      http://www.epa.gov/reg5oair/radon/toolskit.htm


  • Why Should You Be Concerned About the Quality of the Air That You Breathe?
    " Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor
    air pollution can also have significant effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate
    that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasion more than 100 times, higher
    than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern because it is estimated
    that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors.

    "Over the past several decades, our exposure to indoor air pollutants is believed to have increased due to
    a variety of factors, including the construction of more tightly sealed buildings, reduced ventilation rates
    to save energy, the use of synthetic building materials and furnishings, and the use of chemically
    formulated personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners. . . ." For more, click out to:
    http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/index.html

    -- end indoor air --

     

  • Lead -- scroll down for EPA's changes in Residential Lead Standards
  • Links to state offices:
    http://www.epa.gov/epapages/statelocal/

  • MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether)

  • Multiple Chemical Sensitivities - A Workshop
    "This workshop was conducted at the request of the Environmental Protection Agency. This volume
    contains the papers prepared and presented by individual workshop participants; the papers
    have not undergone peer review."
    http://www.ulib.org/webRoot/Books/National_Academy_Press_Books/multiple_chem/mult001.htm

     

  • National Risk Management Research - NRMRL
    "...For more information contact Pilot Study Co-Director, Daniel J. Murray,
    Director, Technology Transfer & Support Division at: 513-567-7522 or email at: murray.dan@epa.gov
    http://www.epa.gov/ordntrnt/ORD/NRMRL/

     

  • National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Consumer Products
    [Federal Register: September 11, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 176)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Page 48819-48847]
    From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
    [DOCID:fr11se98-24]
    http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR/1998/September/Day-11/a22660.htm

     

  • Office of Pesticide Programs
  • Office of Transportation and Air Quality
    (formerly: Office of Mobile Sources)
      How much air pollution comes from vehicles and equipment, and why should we be concerned?"

      What can you do to help control the pollution?

      What is EPA doing to control the pollution?

      How is air pollution from vehicles, engines, and fuels measured?
    http://www.epa.gov/otaq/

     

  • Toxic Release Inventory (TRI)
    http://www.epa.gov/tri/

     


  • News Releases, Region 09 (western US)
    http://epainotes1.rtpnc.epa.gov:7777/r9/r9press.nsf/news

  • Office of Chemical Testing and Information
    http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemtest/index.htm

  • Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
    http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/



  • Office of Pollution Prevention Research Needs
    http://es.epa.gov/oeca/fedfac/fflexp2/rti-elct.html

  • Organic Gases (Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs):
    http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/voc.html

  • Ozone generators
    http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/hpguide.html#faq3

  • Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) Chemicals Program.
    http://www.epa.gov/pbt/

     

  • Pesticides


  • Pesticides and Food
    http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/food/

  • Pesticide Science
    http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/science.htm

  • Pyrethrins (Pyrellin, Pyrenone, Pyrethrum, and others) from Pesticide Table for the Niangua Darter
    http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/endanger/missouri/webstt.htm

  • Plain Language (instead of "governmentese"
    http://www.epa.gov/ooaujeag/new597/Plain.htm

  • Publications OnLine
    http://www.epa.gov/epahome/publications2.htm

  • Reinventing Environmental Protection
    http://www.epa.gov/reinvent/



  • Right to Know (documents from search)
    http://search.epa.gov/s97is.vts

  • Safer Alternatives
    http://www.epa.gov/rgytgrnj/kids/swmalt.htm

  • State & Local Topical Listing of Resources
    http://www.epa.gov/regional/statelocal/topic.htm
  • Superfund http://www.epa.gov/superfund/

     

  • Superfund Home page
    http://www.epa.gov/superfund/index.htm

  • Superfund Kid's page
    http://www.epa.gov/superfund/oerr/comtools/newindex/tips.htm
  • Superfund Sites
    http://www.epa.gov/superfund/oerr/sfguide/index.htm

  • TCE (trichloroethylene) sites -- EPA's search page


  • Technology Transfer Network
    http://www.epa.gov/ttn/


  • Tolerance Reassessment Advisory Committee
    http://www.epa.gov/search97cgi/s97_cgi?action=View&VdkVgwKey=%2Fpublic%2Fdata%2Foppfead1%2Fweb%2Ftrac%2Findex%2Ehtm&doctype=raw&Collection=All&


  • Tools for Schools Indoor Air Kit
  • Toxic Chemical Fact Sheets
    http://mail.odsnet.com/TRIFacts/

  • Toxics Directory
    CalEPA


  • Toxics Inventory Release - EPA
    http://www.epa.gov/tri/



  • Unified Air Toxics Website

    "Major Source -- Any source (i.e., a contiguous area under common control) of toxic air
    pollution that emit or has the potential to emit 10 tons per year of any listed hazardous air
    pollutant, or a combination of listed hazardous air pollutants of 25 tons or more.
    http://www.epa.gov/ttn/uatw/

  • Use Cluster Scoring System (UCSS)
    http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/cahp/actlocal/use.html

     

  • (Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs)
    http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html



    --end EPA --


    EREC (Department of Energy)

    EREC is your source for information and technical assistance on many energy technologies. Along with this EREN Web site, EREC and EREN are the primary components of the Department of Energy's Customer Service Center. ...

    EREC offers information and assistance to a broad audience (consumers, educators and students, builders, businesses, government agencies, entrepreneurs) on a wide range of topics by providing publications, customized responses, and referrals to energy organizations.

    http://www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/briefs.html
    European Commission
    http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg24/

    Return to top of page.

    Go to section G - Z.





    F

    Federal agencies on the net, various links --

    Federal Government Agencies, Directory
    http://www.lib.lsu.edu/gov/fedgov.html

    Federaly Highway Administration
    The Federal Register
    http://www.nara.gov/fedreg/





    FCC (Federal Communications Commission



    FEDERAL & POSTAL EMPLOYEES OUTREACH...Assistance and Talk List
    Workers' Compensation-OWCP-Disability Retirement-EEO-MSPB-NLRB-Etc.
    There's so much on this page, do visit it ... barb
    http://expage.com/owcp

    FedStats
    "The gateway to statistics from over 100 U.S. Federal agencies."
    http://www.fedstats.gov/

    FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
    What does the FDA know about synthetic scents and the products with "fragrance" on the label?

     

      The FDA Modernization Act of 1997 (PL 105-115) affirmed FDA's
      public health protection role
      and defined the Agency's mission
      (http://www.fda.gov/opacom/morechoices/mission.html):

      " 1.To promote the public health by promptly and efficiently reviewing clinical
      research and taking appropriate action on the marketing of regulated products in a
      timely manner; [which, of course, excludes the chemical synthetic fragrance formulations - barb]

      " 2.With respect to such products, protect the public health by ensuring that foods
      are safe, wholesome, sanitary, and properly labeled; human and veterinary drugs
      are safe and effective; there is reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of
      devices intended for human use; cosmetics are safe and properly labeled, and;
      public health and safety are protected from electronic product radiation; . . ."
      Note: Regarding safety of drugs ... see EHN's General Links pages:
      Page D, Drugs
      http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/d.htm#Drugs
      Page V, Vaccines
      http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/v.htm#Vaccines

      Re: safety AND proper labeling of cosmetics, go immediately to FDA Petition
      http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm

      If YOU (or your children or elderly parents) are among the millions who suffer
      adverse reactions to synthetic scents, TELL IT TO THE FDA. If the FDA
      does not hear from you, they sure as heck won't believe us! See the Sample Letter
      and adjust to suit your needs. -- barb

      http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/sampletr.htm#SAMPLE


      FDA Homepage
      http://www.fda.gov/

      We've learned from and FDA staff person: "A good FDA information
      site on the web is: FDA Web Site Index
      http://www.fda.gov/opacom/hpchoice.html.
      This site has an alphabetical listing which should include most
      categories you might be interested in.

      • Asthma: Breathing Better: Action Plans Keep Asthma in Check
        "...Common asthma triggers include dust, pollen, cockroaches, cold air,
        smoke, and other strong odors, such as paint, cleaning fluids, perfume,
        hair spray, and powder.
        ..." [emphasis added]
        http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2003/203_asthma.html

         

      • HOW TO OBTAIN FDA REGULATIONS
        http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/ob-reg.html

         

      • The Story Of The Laws Behind The Labels
        The Long Struggle For The 1906 Law

        http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/history2.html

      • The Food and Drugs Act, Part I
        http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/history1.html

      • 1938--The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Part II
        http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/histor1a.html

      • 1962 Drug Amendments, Part III
        http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/histor1b.html

      • FDA's Food and Cosmetics International Activities
        http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/intl-toc.html

         

      • FDA Recall Policy for Cosmetics
        "FDA has no authority under the FD&C Act to order a recall of a cosmetic, although
        it can request that a firm recall a product. However, we do have an active role in recalls. ..."
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/recall3.html

         

      • Center for Devices and Radiological Health

         

      • Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FDA)
        CFSAN PRIORITY-SETTING MEETING; June 1998
        "Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association
        "MR. KAVANAUGH: ...' We support a vigorous CFSAN program for cosmetics. We
        want to strengthen our long-standing cooperation with FDA through our industry
        voluntary programs. .... We recognize that cosmetics are not, and clearly should not
        be, CFSAN's top priority. '"

        Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors Association
        "MS. JOHNSON: ... 'There are too few employees to monitor safety questions when they
        occur. Consumers trust the FDA to protect them from unsafe cosmetic products.
        Cutbacks in the Office of Cosmetics and Colors directly and irrevocably undermines
        this trust.'"

        But, the FDA cannot really protect the consumer . . . certainly not from inadequately tested
        chemicals used to concoct synthetic scents used in a wide array of products. And, have you ever
        wondered why fragrances (cosmetics) are not a high priority for the FDA? -- barb

        http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cfsa698b.html#_B7_1

         

      • Consumer Complaints About Cosmetic Products
        Reporting Problem Products to FDA

        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-comp.html

         

      • COSMETIC LABELING GUIDE
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-lab3.html

         

      • Cosmetics and Colors
        Stakeholders Meeting - Washington, DC - January 22, 1999
        Why is the FDA so quick to consider costs to the industry, but not costs to health and life --
        costs which are beyond measure -- that are suffered by people because of the chemical concoctions
        known as fragrances that are in widespread use without the benefit of adequate testing ?
        Betty Bridges, RN and Dr. Lawrence Plumlee testify. -- barb

        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos0199.html

         

      • Cosmetics Compliance Program
        DOMESTIC COSMETICS PROGRAM

        Issued July 31, 2000
        "...Cosmetics are defined in the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as articles intended to be
        applied to, or introduced into, the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting
        attractiveness or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or
        function. Articles intended for use as components of cosmetic products are also considered
        cosmetics. Soap meeting the parameter of 21 CFR 701.20(a)(1) and (a)(2), is
        excluded from the term 'cosmetic'. ..."

        "...It has been estimated that consumer expenditures for cosmetics exceed *35 billion*
        dollars annually. It is further estimated that the marketed cosmetics are being produced
        in more than 1400 domestic manufacturing and repacking establishments and
        represent more than 25,000 product formulations. About *10,500* different cosmetic
        ingredients and a similar number of fragrance ingredients are being used by the cosmetic
        industry. ..."
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/cp29001.html

         

      • Cosmetics and drugs defined
        Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (or Is It Soap?)
        "The legal difference between a cosmetic and a drug is determined by a product's
        intended use. Different laws and regulations apply to each type of product. Firms
        sometimes violate the law by marketing a cosmetic with a drug claim, or by marketing
        a drug as if it were a cosmetic, without adhering to requirements for drugs.
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-218.html

         

      • Cosmetic Handbook
        " ... A cosmetic is misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading, if it does not bear the
        required labeling information, or if the container is made or filled in a deceptive manner. ..."
        "...If the safety of a cosmetic is not adequately substantiated, the product may be
        considered misbranded and may be subject to regulatory action unless the label bears
        the following statement: "Warning - The safety of this product has not been
        determined."
        See 21 CFR 740.10.
        http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-hdb1.html

        Have you seen that warning on the label of synthetic scented products? I haven't either.
        Do see EHN's FDA Petition, requesting the FDA require that warning as fragrances are
        released to market without adequate testing for effects upon inhalation, absorption, neurotoxic
        and systemic effects, or effects upon long-term use. -- barb

        FDA Petition, with Analyses
        http://www.ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm

         

      • Databases on the FDA Website
        Danged if I could find Cosmetics or Fragrances in this list. They've got drugs, including
        animal drugs, and food and medical devices, but not something for products you apply to your
        body and breate into your body 24 hours arund the clock. -- barb

        http://www.fda.gov/search/databases.html

         

      • Dockets Mangement
        From here you can see peoples' response to FDA dockets. If you enter "Eternity" it will
        bring up EHN's petition -- 99P-1340. -- barb http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/

         

      • FDA's Food and Cosmetic Regulatory Responsibilities
        A summary of the legal requirements affecting manufacture and distribution of food
        and cosmetic products within and imported into the United States
          "... Approval by FDA is not required to market a cosmetic in the United States. With the
          exception of color additives and a few prohibited or restricted ingredients, cosmetic
          manufacturers may, on their own responsibility, use essentially any raw material as a
          cosmetic ingredient and market the product without approval.
          [Emphasis added -- barb]

          "Therapeutic claims, either actual or implied, are not appropriate in the labeling of
          cosmetics. Products that are cosmetics but are also intended to treat or prevent disease,
          or affect the structure or functions of the body, are considered to be both drugs and
          cosmetics, and must comply with both the drug and cosmetic provisions of the law. ..."
        http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/regresp.html

      • Cosmetic Safety: More Complex Than at First Blush
        by Dori Stehlin
        "Allergic Reactions

        "Do the preservatives themselves pose any safety risk?

        "According to a study of cosmetic reactions conducted by the North American Contact
        Dermatitis Group, preservatives are the second most common cause of allergic and
        irritant reactions to cosmetics. Fragrances are number one. Although the study is more
        than 10 years old, the results can still be considered valid today, says Harold R. Minus,
        M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at Howard University Hospital. (For
        more information on this study, see "Cosmetic Allergies" in the November 1986 FDA
        Consumer.)
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-safe.html

         

      • Databases on the FDA Website
        http://www.fda.gov/search/databases.html

         

      • FDA AUTHORITY OVER COSMETICS
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-206.html

         

        • Pure Food and Drugs -page 112
          "Cosmetics were not subject to the 1906 law, but some beauty products like Mme. Yale's
          Hair Tonic were considered drug preparations. The courts determined that they
          were misbranded by their claims to cure falling hair and dandruff, remove wrinkles,
          and feed the skin. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 expanded the 1906 law
          to include all cosmetics. "
          http://lhc.nlm.nih.gov/M3W3/phs_history/phs_history_112_content.html

           

        • Pure Food and Drugs -page 113
          The 1938 law considerably expanded consumer protection, but consumers continued
          to be guinea pigs for the many new chemicals that were being added to food and
          cosmetics. The law prohibited poisonous substances but did not require showing that
          food or cosmetic ingredients were safe. In 1951-52, a select committee of the House,
          chaired by Rep. James Delaney of New York, held extensive hearings on how to handle
          problems arising from chemicals in food and cosmetics. From these and later
          hearings came 3 major amendments to the drug law: the Pesticide Amendment (1954),
          the Food Additives Amendment (1958), and the Color Additives Amendment
          (1960). This cartoon expresses public concerns about color additives in cosmetics and the
          need for scientific investigations to establish safety. The caption reads: "No,
          Doris, lips that touch Fire Plug Pink shall never touch mine."
          http://lhc.nlm.nih.gov/M3W3/phs_history/phs_history_113_content.html

           

        • The Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program
          http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-regn.html
      • Food, Nutrition, and Cosmetics Questions & Answers
        Set up as frames
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-cosq.html

         

      • COSMETIC LABELING GUIDE
        Fragrance and Flavor Declarations
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-lab3.html#clgl4

         

      • INSPECTION OF COSMETICS
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-214.html

         

      • On the Teen Scene - COSMETICS AND REALITY
        by Laura Bradbard
        Teens and Others, if you don't know about the chemicals used to concoct synthetic fragrances,
        you'll never learn about them from the FDA. Look to EHN's information on the FDA Petition,
        Docket Number 99P - 1340 for chemical analyses. -- barb

        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-813.html

         

      • The Office of Women's Health Scientific Research Program - Abstracts
        CFSAN: Cosmetics initiatives: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) - John E. Bailey(94)
        http://www.fda.gov/womens/scienceprogram/report2000/abstracts.htm#cosmetics

         

      • SOAP
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-215.html

        Stakeholders' Meetings and Consumer Complaints
        The FDA IS aware of adverse health events due to fragrances! -- barb

          Consumer Complaints:

           

          1995 is the first year's record I could locate. I first complained to the FDA in March 1992,
          when I first learned just WHY fragrances WORN BY OTHERS IN MY WORKPLACE were
          making me sick. At that time, the FDA had absolutely no interested in hearing from me as I was
          not a user who found contaminates in the bottle. I couldn't convince them that the very
          chemicals used to create the toxic brews were contaminating the air I had to breathe.

          At first I thought it was just ignorance on the part of the FDA. I tried valliently to educate, but that was much like banging my head against a brick wall. But I'm a tenacious individual by nature -- genetically coded for tenacity, I'm sure! The more formal step was exercised through the FDA Petition, 99P-1340, still open and accepting public comments and documentation.

          After three years and no action despite nearly 1,300 letters officially logged by early August 2002,
          I began thinking in terms of negligence, which means there is not intended wrong-doing.
          However, these days, I'm so sick and tired of learning of all the people and their infants who are
          getting sick that I'm thinking beyond negligence into dereliction of duty, and/or malfeasance.
          According to American Heritage Dictionary:

            negligence - "3. Law. Failure to exercise the degree of care considered reasonable
            under the circumstances, resulting in an unintended injury to another party."

            dereliction - "1. Willful neglect, as of duty or principle."

            malfeasance - Misconduct or wrongdoing, especially by a public official

             

          -- barb

        1. Consumer Complaints About Cosmetic Products - 1995 Annual Report
          http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/coscom95.html

           

        2. Consumer Complaints About Cosmetic Products - 1996 Annual Report
          This contains a complaint about a fragrance-free product . . . but we know why!
          Fragrance-Free and "Unscented" are allowed to contain synthetic scents to mask
          other odors! How few toxic chemicals are few enough???? -- barb

          http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/coscom96.html

           

        3. Consumer Complaints About Cosmetic Products - 1997 Annual Report
          http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/coscom97.html

           

        4. Consumer Complaints About Cosmetic Products - 1998 Annual Report
          http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/coscom98.html

           

        5. Consumer Complaints About Cosmetic Products - 1999 Annual Report
          http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/coscom99.html

           

        6. Consumer Complaints About Cosmetic Products - 2000 Annual Report
          http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/coscom00.html

           

        Stakeholders Meetings:

         

        1. Stakeholders Meeting - Washington, DC - January 22, 1999
          Betty Bridges, RN and Dr. Lawrence Plumlee testify. -- barb
          http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos0199.html

           

        2. TALKING WITH STAKEHOLDERS ABOUT FDA MODERNIZATION
          CFSAN STAKEHOLDER MEETING

          CHICAGO, ILLINOIS; APRIL 28, 1999
          "...Ms. Karen Truskowski of a Multiple Chemical Sensitivity organization raised concerns about fragrances. ..."
        3. May 11, 1999: EHN's FDA Citizens' Petition is officially accepted by FDA and
          assigned docket number 99P-1340

          http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm

           

        4. Then the FDA publishes on it's website under "Food," and at page bottom. . .
          Why, so it's not quite so likely to be found? For your convenience, I shall quote with a
          direct copy. Betty SuperSleuth Bridges, RN has done it again.
          -- barb

            "Q. Inhalation of fragranced products is known to trigger asthma and migraine headaches in some individuals. The EPA names "the use of chemically formulated personal care products" along with pesticides and household cleaners as contributors to indoor air pollution. How do you propose to raise public awareness of possible health risks from use of these products? "

            "A. FDA has little or no information that would support actions to raise public awareness of possible health risks associated with the use of fragranced products. Current regulations do require that products that contain added fragrance ingredients must be labeled in the product ingredient statement as containing "fragrance." FDA is aware of concern about this issue and encourages continued participation by its stakeholders in gathering data to address the possible health risks associated with the use of fragranced products. FDA is committed to fostering such participation by its continued sponsorship of stakeholder outreach initiatives, e.g. public meetings. These public forums not only provide interested persons with an opportunity to comment on the potential health risks associated with fragranced products, but also help identify possible solutions to address these risks."


          http://www.fda.gov/oc/fdama/fdamawebcast/stakeholdersquestions/foods.html

           

          GIMME A BREAK! Better yet, give the public the word, FDA.

          Wouldn't it be just ducky if everyone who has become debilitated and disabled were to receive a
          multibillion dollar settlement? That still would not pay back our lives, our health, or make amends
          for the disruption to our families, or in too many cases, the loss of our families, and it couldn't
          give us back our jobs, our chance for an education, . . . but it might, just might, start to make
          amends. Of course, it could never happen, but IF it could, you could bet your very last dollar
          out of those very few you have, that the FDA sure as hell would move on the information it
          has! And, maybe, just maybe, John Bailey, PhD, would have long ago moved to the CTFA
          (Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association). -- barb

            1) L@@K at this! Thanks to Betty Bridges, RN for the heads up . . . she found word about Bailey's move in a document other than CTFA's. -- barb

            Former FDA Cosmetics Head Joins CTFA - press release
            " Washington, D.C. - Dr. John Bailey, former Director of FDA's Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, is joining the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) as Director, Cosmetic Chemistry in mid January 2002.

            "CTFA President Ed Kavanaugh, in making the announcement said, 'I am delighted that John will be joining CTFA. He brings to CTFA excellent scientific credentials and
            a great understanding of our industry and its issues based on his many years with FDA.' ... "

            http://www.ctfa.org/viewpage.cfm?id=1543

             

            • Take a look back in time to the very early 1990s and Julia Kendall's compilation of information, including two John Bailey statements. Am I surprised to find him with CTFA? -- barb

              Making Sense of Scents
              Includes John Bailey comments . . . remember him from the FDA???? Now with CTFA. -- barb

               

      • What is FDA's authority over cosmetics?
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-cos3.html

         

      • Prohibited Ingredients and Related Safety Issues
        "By law, FDA does not have the authority to approve cosmetic products or ingredients,
        except for color additives. However, regulations prohibit or restrict the use of several
        ingredients because of safety concerns.

        "In addition, cosmetic and fragrance trade associations have recommended avoiding or
        limiting the use of some substances. Contaminants raise additional concerns. The
        following is an introduction to special safety and regulatory issues related to cosmetic
        ingredients.

        "Substantiation of safety

        "It is the responsibility of the manufacturer and distributor to assure the safety of each
        ingredient and finished product. Without substantiation of safety, Title 21 of the Code of
        Federal Regulations (21 CFR), Part 740.10 requires that the product carry the following
        warning on the label:

             "Warning: The safety of this product has not been determined."

        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-210.html

      • The Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program - Forms and Instructions
        "Cosmetics are not subject to FDA pre-approval or mandatory establishment
        registration or ingredient reporting. However, FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors
        (OCAC) maintains the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP), which was
        established at the request of the cosmetic industry. The VCRP helps FDA in its mission
        to protect consumers, while also helping cosmetic manufacturers and distributors
        make informed decisions. ..."
        http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-regn.html

         

      • CODES: Search the United States Code
        http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm
        For example, if you wished to locate code dealing with adulterated or misbranded
        cosmetics, you would go to the URL given above and the enter "21" in the box marked
        "Title" and you would enter the number "361" or "362" in the box marked "Section" to
        bring up:
        Sec. 361. Adulterated cosmetics or Sec. 362. Misbranded cosmetics
        Then do read the text ... Do you also wonder where our FDA has been? If so, please
        support EHN's Citizens' Petition. Write to the FDA about your adverse reactions to
        synthetic fragrance chemicals, referencing "Docket Number 99P-1340/CP 1" and
        emailing your comments to fdadockets@oc.fda.gov.
        For more info on the petition, please see
        http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm


      Contact Dermatitis: Solutions to Rash Mysteries
      Includes a little info on fragrances. However, they don't recognize that airborne dermatitis
      can ressult from another person's use of synthetically scented personal care, household and/or
      janitorial cleaning and maintenance products. -- barb

      by Evelyn Zamula
      http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdacderm.html

       

    • Cosmetics Q & A
      http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qa-cos3.html



    • Color Additives
      http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/opa-col2.html

    • Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines
      http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-gmp.html

    • Prohibited Ingredients and Related Safety Issues (Updated by the FDA, March 30, 2000)
      http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-210.html

    Code of Federal Regulations, which includes FDA labeling codes


  • Office of Cosmetics and Colors Stakeholders Meeting
    Washington, DC; January 22, 199
    Note from barb: Near the bottom of the document, you'll find ...
    " The Agency also received written comments from thirty-seven (37) individuals
    concerning fragrance sensitivity, the adverse effects exposure to fragrances has created
    and how such chemicals should be regulated. Summaries of the texts for these
    comments follows: ..."
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos0199.html

    Dockets Management
    http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/

    Fragrances:



    If your health, or that of a family member, is adversely affected by
    fragrance products -- even those used by others -- PLEASE inform:


    Mr. Lark Lambert (LZL@cfsan.fda.gov)
    HFS FDA
    Office of Cosmetics and Colors
    Cosmetic Adverse Reaction Monitoring Program
    200 C St. SW
    Washington, DC 20204
    or phone or fax to:
    ph: 202/205-4706

    fax: 202/205-5098

    From FDA's site: "Consumers experiencing an adverse reaction
    from a cosmetic should call their nearest FDA office (listed under
    the US Government section in the white pages) or call our Cosmetic Adverse
    Reaction Monitor (CARM) coordinator at 202-205-4706. "

      Contact info for:
      CA (Northern), NV, HI
      1431 Harbor Bay Parkway
      Alameda, CA 94502
      (510) 337-6700

    Office of Cosmetics and Colors
    Consumer Complaints for Cosmetic Products
    Reporting Problem Products to FDA
    [and clickable reports: 1995 Annual Report; 1996 Annual Report]
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-comp.html



    Consumer Complaints
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/costop95.html

    Contact Dermatitis: Solutions to Rash Mysteries
    by Evelyn Zamula; FDA, May 1990
    NOTE: This page does not give a clue about airborne contaminants such as those from the
    fragrances worn and used by others in personal care and cleaning/maintenance products. -- barb

    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdacderm.html

     


    Comments in Italics reflect the personal opinion of --barb
    Cosmetics
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/probfda.html
    "Report products that contain filthy or harmful substances,
    are decomposed or spoiled, or have caused an injury."

    [This doesn't leave much room for stating that a particular brand of fragrance, used by another, has caused "xyz" symptoms in one's body, but why not let the FDA know anyway? -- barb]

    Clearing Up Cosmetic Confusion by Carol Lewis
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdconfus.html

      FDA [non] AUTHORITY OVER COSMETICS
      "FDA cannot require companies to do safety testing of their cosmetic products before marketing." http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-206.html

      Cosmetic Safety: More Complex Than at First Blush
      "The agency can't do much about isolated allergic reactions or irritation problems. It's up to the individual to avoid the product that caused the reaction and any other products that contain the offending ingredient. (See 'Contact Dermatitis: Solutions to Rash Mysteries' in the May 1990 FDA Consumer.)" http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-safe.html


        Right! And how, praytell, does one avoid fragrance products used by others? Fragrance products are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which means they become part of the air you breathe. Fragrance products -- whether used by you, your family members, your coworkers, in advertising scent strips -- can trigger your asthma; give you dermatitis or adult achne; irritate your eyes; give you sudden onset headaches.

        The health problems are many, chronic, systemic.

        Fragrance products have not been tested. The multibillion dollar fragrance industry is protected by outdated trade secret laws. The public health -- your health -- is not protected. This is a burgeoning public health issue. YOU have a right to know! -- barb

        Also, taken from that same FDA page in no particular order:

         

      "Trade secrets (as defined by FDA) and the ingredients of flavors and fragrances do not have to be specifically listed."

      "What's 'Natural'?"
      "Like hypoallergenic, "natural" can mean anything to anybody.

      "There are no standards for what natural means," says Bailey. "They could wave a tube [of plant extract] over the bottle and declare it natural. Who's to say what they're actually using?"

      "The Meaning of Makeup"
      ".... fragrance
      " any natural or synthetic substance or substances used solely to impart an odor to a cosmetic product"

      "* fragrance-free
      " products so labeled may still contain small amounts of fragrances to mask the fatty odor of soap or other unpleasant odors ..."



      FDA Stakeholders Meeting; Washington, DC; January 22, 1999
      MEETING SUMMARY
      http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos0199.html


      FRAGRANCE FREE & UNSCENTED
      Note: This info has been removed from the FDA's website. 1/2001 -- barb
      "... Many raw materials used in the manufacture of cosmetics have characteristic
      odors that may be considered offensive to consumers. Because of this undesirable odor,
      cosmetic manufacturers add ingredients to their products to both cover any offensive
      odor originating from ingredients and to impart a fragrance for marketing purposes.
      In the case of products labeled as "fragrance free" or "unscented," manufacturers
      generally add fragrance ingredients to cover the offensive odor, but less than what is
      needed to impart a noticeable scent.
      ..." [Emphasis added. -- barb]
      http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-225.html

       

      To learn first hand of some of the chemicals that make up your favorite fragrance products, visit:

      Citizens' Petition; Analyses
      http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm#Analyses

      Twenty Most Common Chemicals Found in Thirty-One Fragrance Products
      http://ehnca.org/ehn20.htm

      Fragranced Products Information Network
      http://www.ameliaww.com/fpin/fpin.htm

      Also see EHN's

      Comments in italics reflect the personal opinion of --barb

       

     

    "Everything" Added to Food in the United States (EAFUS)
    EAFUS: A Food Additive Database

    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/eafus.html

     



    FDA Feedback
    "Please use this form to give us your comments about the FDA Internet site (ease of use, problems, other information you'd like to see, etc.)"
    http://www.fda.gov/comments.html

    FDA Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/list.html

    FDA General Information
    http://www.fda.gov/opacom/hpchoice.html

    Kids Page
    http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/kids/default.htm

    National Center for Toxicological Research (FDA)
    http://www.fda.gov/nctr/index.html

    News and Publications
    http://www.fda.gov/opacom/hpnews.html




    FDA Glossary of Pesticide Chemicals; June, 1999
    Adobe Acrobat pdf format (471 KB). http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/pestglos.html

    Food Safety & Applied Nutrition, Center for
     200 C Street SW; Washington, DC 20204 USA   
    http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/



  • International Activities at FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors
    An Overview

    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cosintov.html

    Petitioning the FDA
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fdavoice.html


      Filing a Freedom of Information Request
      http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fdavoice.html
      "Copies of comments on any given issue may be obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to FDA. The request is best made by letter, specifying exactly what material is sought. Requesters usually should be specific about what comments they want, instead of asking for "all comments" received on a certain proposal, which in some cases can run thousands of pages. (Indexes of comments are available by FOIA request as well.)

      "FOIA requests should include an address and phone number and be sent to: Food and Drug Administration, Freedom of Information Staff (HFI-35), 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Requests also can be faxed to (301) 443-1726. For more information, call (301) 443-6310."


  • Poisonous Plants Database, FDA
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~djw/readme.html

  • Product Recalls
    http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html

  • Recall products -- Daily RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS
    http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ENFORCE/ENF00596.html

  • Reporting Problem Products to FDA
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/probfda.html
    [The following quoted information appears on the FDA site. There is no system available to register complaints with the FDA unless you use the product. But it gets even worse -- just wait until you read the first sentence of the bottom paragraph! --barb]

    "Have you had a problem with a food, drug, cosmetic, medical device, radiation-emitting electronic product, or veterinary drug? Did it cause you an injury or was it insanitary or improperly labeled? Perform a public service and report the problem to the Food and Drug Administration.

    "FDA welcomes reports from the public alerting it to problems with products that it regulates. The reports help FDA ensure that products on the market are safe, effective, and properly manufactured, stored and labeled.

    "Each report is evaluated to determine how serious the problem is and what follow-up is needed. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, FDA will either investigate it immediately or during the next inspection of the facility responsible for the product.

    "What to Report

    "Before you report a product that you suspect caused an illness or injury, ask yourself the following:

    Did you use the product for other than its intended use?
    Did you fail to follow carefully the instructions for the product?
    Was the product old or outdated?
    Do you have an allergy or other medical condition that might have something to do with the suspected harmful effect?

    "If you answer yes to any of these questions, it's unlikely that reporting the problem to FDA will be of any benefit. Nevertheless, you should, of course, get proper medical care for your injury, if necessary. ..."

     

    • What FDA Doesn't Handle
      http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/problem.html

      Reports and complaints about the following should be made to the agencies listed.
      Phone numbers can be found in your local phone directory:

    • Restaurant food and sanitation--Local or state health departments
    • Unsolicited products in the mail--U.S. Postal Service
    • Accidental poisonings--Poison control centers or hospitals
    • Pesticides or air and water pollution--U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    • Hazardous household products (including toys, appliances, and chemicals)--
      Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1-800-638-2772
    • Alcoholic beverages--Department of Treasury's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
    • Drug abuse and controlled substances--Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration
    • Hazardous chemicals in the workplace--Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
    • Warranties--Federal Trade Commission
    • Dispensing and sales practices of pharmacies--State board of pharmacy
    • Medical practice--State certification board


  • Search CFSAN's Phone & Email Directory
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/srchbfd.html

  • Trade Associations of Interest to the Cosmetic Industry
    "The names, addresses, phone numbers and other information below are not
    intended to be a comprehensive list. For more information, contact the reference
    section of your local library system.
    http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-trad.html

     

  • Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
    http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaers/vaers.htm

    Remember, "Adverse Event" can mean your child is dead or disabled for life. Also see
    EHN's links on Vaccines at http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/v.htm. -- barb
    -- end FDA links--
    Federal Codes



    Federal Government, Executive Branch

    Federal Government, Judicial Branch

    Federal Government, Legislative Branch


    Federal Register



    Federal Regulations (see Code of Federal Regulations)


    Federal Trade Commission

    First Ladies of the United States of America, The

    (The welcoming greeting by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and the biographies of the preceding first ladies of the United States of America.) http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/glimpse/firstladies/html/firstladies.html

    First Lady, Office of the


    FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)


    Freedom Of Information Act


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    You are at the bottom of the first section of EHN's Gov't Links -- A - F

    Ecology House: Evaluation and List of Building Materials
    http://ehnca.org/www/ecologyh/bldg.htm

    Ecology House - Fragrance free means ...
    Please respect the residents and their requests by following the instructions provided on our Ecology House page.

    EHN's home page
    (http://ehnca.org/ehnindex.htm)

    Fabric Softeners = Health Risks From Dryer Exhaust and Treated Fabrics

    General Interest E-mail and WWW Links -- historical

    General Links -- current
    (http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/genlinks.htm) The New Reactor

    Twenty Most Common Chemicals Found in Thirty-One Fragrance Products