Barb Wilkie's EHN Website
Last updated 2008

Access/Accommodation (Common Courtesy) Fragrance: When you encounter the word or the potion, don't think flower petals and animal essences, think volatilizing petrochemicals and alcohol. When you read the word "irritant" as in statements such as "avoid other irritants," think of irritant as defined by Oxford Dictionary: POISON. Fragrances are recognized lung IRRITANTS and SENSITIZERS. To smell fragrances is to inhale violatile petrochemical toxins that have not been proved safe for inhalation, for neurotoxity, for their hormonal disrupting capabilities, for their carcinogenic capabilities, for their teratogenic capabilities (effects upon developing embryos and fetuses). Fragrances are invisible chemical barriers to access for the already chemically injured. And, those still thinking of themselves as not having any problems with fragrances, What will your future hold? No one can remain too smug about toxic brews released to market without substantiation of safety by any government oversight agency. You, the user, must take the wearing and using of fragrance products on faith. Blind faith. PREVENTION: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. -- Ben Franklin Why use toxic chemical concoctions known simply as"fragrance" on the label of products? Check labels of personal care items, cosmetics, and cleaning and maintenance products. Goodness, even products labeled fragrance-free are allowed to contain synthetic fragrances. They are ubiquitous. There are safer alternative products available. Also, rely on products such as your grandmother used like baking soda, vinegar, salt, and yes, good old sunshine. They are effective and inexpensive. More can be learned from EHN's section on Clean at http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/c.htm#Clean Have you thought that by using synthetic scents you are not being GREEN as defined by the US Department of the Interior? ( http://www.doi.gov/greening/sustain/trad.html) Also, you are helping grow that burgeoning profit margin enjoyed by another facet of the chemical industry, the pharmaceutical industry. One might see consumers as the goose that have laid the golden eggs. (You know what happened to THAT goose.) -- barb Acute toxic effects of fragrance products. Author/s: Rosalind C. Anderson http://www.zeal.com/exit.jhtml?cid=991790&wid=60362997&so=&xr=/website/profile.jhtml%3Fcid%3D991790%26wid%3D60362997 OR, printer friendly: http://www.zeal.com/exit.jhtml?cid=991790&wid=60362997&so=&xr=/website/profile.jhtml%3Fcid%3D991790%26wid%3D60362997 For more information on the Andersons of Anderson Labs, see http://www.andersonlaboratories.com/ We also learn from the American Academy of Dermatology in their article, "Allergies: The Culprit Could Be Hiding In Your Cosmetic Bag" -- http://www.newswise.com/articles/2000/3/ALLERGY.AAD.html "Dermatologists recommend that people who experience allergic contact dermatitis adhere to the following program to avoid some of the most probable offending agents, with specific patch testing performed once the dermatitis is clear: -- For clothing care, double rinse all detergents and avoid all fabric softeners. -- Try to wear pure, untreated cotton in light colors. Avoid permanent press or cotton blends. Silk and polyester are acceptable. -- Wash all new clothing items five times before wearing. -- Use only fragrance-free soaps, body cleansers, shampoos and conditioners. -- Avoid all perfumes, colognes, and after-shaves. -- Do not use any fingernail care products or hair spray. "The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. ..." Great advice as far as it goes. But, again, the subject of fragrances is being dealt with as if it is a problem unique to that one individual who is wearing fragrances and all that one individual has to do is to AVOID USING scented products. It is the nature of this volatile petrochemical beast to become one with the air we all must breathe. That "thorough" testing you read about regarding fragrances is for dermatological reactions of the primary user. The industry and our federal government have not tested for effects to brain and central nervous system of developing embryos and fetuses, to infants and children, to adults ranging in age through the eldest among us; nor have they tested for carcinogenic effects; they've not tested for long-term and systemic effects; nor have they even gone so far as to give a mind to the dermatological effects suffered by non-users simply from being in the air that is contaminated with polluting fragrance products. NEVER MEASURE. NEVER MANAGE! To spell out the obvious: Our modern fragrances are volatile organic compounds, therefore they become the air we all must breathe. Synthetic scents are not tested for reactions to skin beyond those of the primary user. When will our government agencies and health care societies begin to look at the fact that fragrances contain volatile chemicals that are known or suspected hormone disrupters, irritants (and here, please think of mucus production and inflamation, not just something that is emotionally irritating like another person's booming music), sensitizers (causes adverse reactions in normal tissue after repeated exposures), carcinogens (capable of causing cancer), tertatogens (adversely affecting embryonic and fetal development) and neurotoxins (adversely affecting brain and nervous systems)? Fragrances should be tested BEFORE marketing for their adverse effects upon users and nonusers who suffer adverse events at secondary and tertiary levels of exposure. Fragrances should be tested for their effects upon the reproductive systems of developing fetuses, as well effects on males and females of all ages. Fragrances should be researched for their effects upon the respiratory systems of users and non users; for their neurotoxic effects upon users and non users; for their potential cancer- causing capabilities for users and non users. Come to think of it, if there is synthetic scent in the air, we all are users! Fragrances should be tested for more than just dermatological adverse reactions to the primary user, and the public should be informed. The public has a right to know. The public has a right to make their purchases via informed consent. See Raw Materials of Perfumery http://www.perfumersworld.com/chems/material.htm Synthetic fragrances are in household and janitorial cleaning and maintenance products, including air "fresheners," pesticides and disinfectants (which are classified as pesticides by the EPA). And synthetic scents are in your personal care products, which you put on your body and the bodies of your children. Synthetically scented products are more than just your perfume, cologne and aftershave. Whether you personnaly use synthetic fragrances or breathe them in because others use them, these chemicals CAN adversely affect your health. Often, the early stages of chemical injury are too insidious for the untrained mainstream medical doctor to recognize and diagnose. Remember: Doctors have failed to recognize and properly diagnose many debilitating and disabling diseases, which have since become recognized. For instance, asthma, pellagra, tuberculous. Regarding asthma, it was not that long ago that the sages were stating that asthma was all psychosomatic. Often we who suffer adverse reactions to toxic chemicals, such as fragrances, are termed "allergic." But that is a misnomer. We have really been poisoned by those chemicals -- which are, at the very least, irritants and sensitizers. At worse, fragrance compounds contain known or suspected neurotoxins (adversely affecting brain and nervous systems), carcinogens (capable of causing cancer), tergatogens (adversely affecting embryonic and fetal development) and/or hormone disrupters, which can adversely affect developing fetuses, children and adults . . . male and female. Our body's response really isn't that of allergy and therefore, a Human Resource manager, or other member of management (speaking from personal experience!) who "diagnose" our cases and "prescribe" allergy shots could cause great harm if the chemically injured person were wrongly convinced to give that treatment a try. Remember, mainstream medical doctors have not been trained to recognize the insidious symptoms of chemical poisoning ... not even when the poisoning is from pesticides, and their patients explain why and how they have been put in harm's way. Alas, most people don't realize when they've been poisoned by synthetic scents for they believe that fragrances are safe or they'd not be marketed. The industry is unregulated and there is no pre-market testing required by our Food and Drug Administration for inhalation, neurotoxicity or long-term, systemic effects. The most industry testing done has been for effects to the skin of the primary user . . . completely ignoring all of the people with adverse skin events from secondary exposures. Not to mention all of the people suffering adverse respiratory and neurotoxic events due to inhalation. Proof that synthetic fragrances are toxic chemical products, can be seen by visiting the "FDA Petition."Click out to "Analyses" and "Product Label." Print out the information and take IT to your leader. FDA Petition - http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm Analyses - http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm#Analyses   Analysis Summary - Are you surprised at the number of chemicals about which we know too little toxicological data, or that appear on the EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory and the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS). See http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/analysis.htm   Product Label - http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/eterbkpg.htm   Once you learn of the chemicals used to concoct scents, it isn't so surprising to learn that synthetic scents in personal care and cleaning/maintenance products, and other commonly used consumer products with high-emitting VOCs (volatile organic compounds), can cause and/or exacerbate cold- and flu-like illnesses; dizziness, migraines andother headaches; upper and lower respiratory diseases including asthma, sinusitis, rhinitis and laryngitis; nausea; gastro-intestinal problems; incontinence; ... Let's learn a little more by visiting the following sites. Selected Abstracts on the Health Effects of Perfume Earth Angels Association/Health & Environment Resource Center http://members.aol.com/chemxpose/abstracts.html And from the industry . . . "COMMON SENSE ABOUT SCENTS." See SPEIAC http://www.scentedproducts.on.ca/hdnad.jpg Let's take a gander at the words of Scented Products Education and Information Association of Canada (SPEIAC) in their ad published following their press conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 20, 2000 -- See EHN's page, Halifax at http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/aaprbb.htm The ad states in part: "The composition of perfumes hasn't changed much in hundreds of years. They contain primarily water and alcohol -- of the same type and purity we drink in beverages -- as well as essential fragrance oils." Do notice that line about water and alcohol. Remember that when you read and further investigate the information below. We do not drink denatured alcohol. Do we really think the industry will pay the taxes to use "drinking alcohol"? -- barb Perfume World - Raw Materials of Perfumery This site respects one's right to know and for that I give them my heartfelt thanks. So with this info available, check out that right-hand column! And remember, we are the guinea pigs . . . even if we are not the primary user of synthetic scents. We "use" them on the secondary and tertiary levels.-- barb http://www.perfumersworld.com/chems/material.htm Fragrance Tips (submenu under Features) The industry suggests layering and then has the effrontery to state that everyone has a " 'scent circle,' approximately an arm's length from the body." The industry makes these toxic chemical preparations to be smelled at great distances -- the concoctions are formulated to waft further and last longer, and THEN the industry states the user should observe the "scent circle." LUDICROUS! But obviously, scented products customers will buy anything . . . even the industry cleverly putting the blame for odorovecting on their customers. But, if users of scented products have an industry declared "scent circle" that they are not supposed to exceed, then by George we have our own arm's length of distance that their chemical outgassings should not penetrate. If you react to the toxic chemical scent concoctions used or worn by folks further away than your arm's length, be sure to claim your legitimate space of cleaner air. Of course, try to claim your arm's length while being examined by a doctor, having blood drawn by a nurse, while in a crowded elevator or on a public transit conveyance. http://www.fragrance.org/feature_tip_content.html And then, a little advice from Career Corner on GovExec.com: "Avoid perfume or cologne. It may not help and may hurt." By Kathryn Kraemer; June 29, 1999 http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0699/062999cc.htm By the way, if links no longer work, you may have luck finding them if you use The WayBack Machine at http://www.archive.org Thanks to all who wrote to the US ACCESS Board "The Access Board is an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities." (From About the Board) E-mail: info@access-board.gov http://www.access-board.gov/ Because you cared enough ... Look at what your efforts wrought. Applaud the Access Board and take a bow for yourself! -- barb "[U.S. Access] Board Adopts Policy to Promote Fragrance-Free Environments" http://www.access-board.gov/about/policies/fragrance.htm See EHN's Action Letters to the Access Board http://ehnca.org/www/actnletr/acletin.htm See Press Release Index http://ehnca.org/www/PressReleases/prsrelin.htm   The US Access Board's full name is U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. The Access Board was created in 1973. They state they have, "... served the nation as the only independent federal agency whose primary mission is accessibility for people with disabilities." Do read letters written to the Access Board requesting they consider setting access standards for the chemically/electromagnetically injured.   The United States Access Board has adopted a policy to promote Fragrance-FREE environments! Excerpted from their policy (2000) this important message to be emulated by others: "... While many questions are yet to be answered, the Board believes in doing what it can where it can. ..." http://www.access-board.gov/about/policies/fragrance.htm   Access Board and Indoor Air Quality (2001) http://www.access-board.gov/news/ieq.htm   Board Issues New Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities (2002) Summary: Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Electromagnetic Sensitivities http://www.access-board.gov/recreation/final.htm#General Issues   GovExec.com Access Board seeks to be more scent-sitive By Tanya N. Ballard; November 28, 2000 http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1100/112800t1.htm   If you wish to read comments about perfume and how it affects access and health, you may wish to visit Allergy to Perfume in the Air - and similar illness due to perfume in the air we breathe http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~aair/perfume_corr.htm And, you may wish to read: Understanding & Accommodating People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Independent Living -- an online book by Pamela Reed Gibson, Ph.D., James Madison University http://www.ilru.org/ilnet/files/bookshelf/mcs/mcsindex.html Also, visit EHN's General Links, page A, Access http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/a.htm#Access -- barb Specific access suggestions, this page: Access Board CILs and ILRCs (Independent Living) Cities / States Cleaners, Disinfectants, Air "fresheners" Dance Fragrance EMF/EMR General - a broad coverage of the topic of access Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities, Health Issues Housing Law Lawns FDA Petition Support (Letters telling of adverse health effects and subsequent need for scent-free accommodation) Meeting Notices / Events Police Posters (opens new window) School (including Universities) States Transit Travel Theater Workplace Worship If you are denied access regardless of the information you provide, the answer just might lie in the damning and damaging Environmental Illness Briefing Paper published by the Chemical Manufacturers Association in 1990. http://ehnca.org/www/books/cmaeibri.htm General Suggestons: [Access] "Board Adopts Policy to Promote Fragrance-Free Environments"(U.S.,2000) http://www.access-board.gov/news/fragrance.htm   Access Board Meetings http://www.access-board.gov/about/boardmembers.htm   Access Board and Indoor Air Quality (2001) Solicitations closed 10/30/01, but the documentation is worth reading. -- barb http://www.access-board.gov/news/indoorair-notice.htm   Board Issues New Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities (2002) Summary: Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Electromagnetic Sensitivities http://www.access-board.gov/recreation/final.htm#SUMMARY     Access for People With EI/MCS and Other Related Conditions Booklet by Sen. Milton Marks, Chair, and Joan Ripple published by Calif. State Senate (in three parts) http://ehnca.org/www/books/eimcsf1.htm Fragrance-free wording of Sen. Marks, provided by Joan Ripple (Please bear with me, it is around here some place. I had it in my hands and lost it to "The Borrowers" almost immediately. But my "borrowers" always return items, unlike Mary Norton's creations. It is only a matter of time.) ACCOMMODATING THE ALLERGIC EMPLOYEE IN THE WORKPLACE Employment and Disability, Cornell University http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/ped/product_spec.html?prod_id=100&cat_id=1 As a 4-page PDF file: http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/extension/files/download/Allergic_Employee.pdf   Accommodating the Allergic Employee in the Workplace NC Chemical Injury Network http://www.NCchem.com/accommod.htm Accommodating Employees with Environmental Sensitivities Debra Sine, Leslirae Rotor and Elizabeth Hare A 51 page PDF file, definitely worth printing out. Includes section called "Guidelines for Managers," Part 4 and "Employee Awareness Kit," Part 5. What caught my attention was this line in Part 4: "Remember that the goal of accommodation is to enable the employee to remain a productive member of the office team." When I was still gainfully employed, that is all that I was requesting! Alas, the management team felt otherwise and in my opinion, their decision to continue business as usual may have contributed to many staff suffering various diseases that are environmentally caused such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, upper and lower respiratory problems, migraines, Parkinson's . . . and, of course, ultimately, my developing MCS. This is my opinion. -- barb http://www.healthyindoors.com/english/ resources/workplace1.pdf   Arizona Technology Access Program: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity http://www.nau.edu/~ihd/aztap/mcs.html   How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html   NEW MEANING FOR ACCESS? By Toni Temple, CHAIR OHIO NETWORK FOR THE CHEMICALLY INJURED P.O. Box 29290 Parma, Ohio 44129 (440) 845-1888 http://www.ncchem.com/ONFCI/access.htm   Business & Health http://www.businessandhealth.com   Allergens in the Workplace Allergens can emerge in settings that appear clean, well maintained and chemical free...at home and at work. By Helen Lippman, Contributing Editor "... The next time you encounter the guy down the hall who always seems to have a runny nose and red, watery eyes, don't assume it's an intractable cold, a bout of seasonal hay fever or a stubborn case of the flu. Office workers may not be exposed to heavy chemicals in spray paints, enzymes in detergents or the red cedar dust in lumber, but allergists now recognize that office buildings can harbor a number of allergens or irritants. A sneezing, sniffling employee could be reacting to copy machine toner, a colleague's perfume, airborne spores from mold and fungi in the circulation system, cockroaches or other indoor irritants or allergens. ... "... The first indication that something's amiss usually comes when employees report what they believe to be allergicãand job-relatedãsymptoms. But just getting workers to the point where they're willing to come forward requires deliberate action. 'Employers need to educate supervisors and other employees,' Grammer emphasizes. 'They need to be told that if they develop teary eyes, wheezing, sneezing or other related symptoms, they may be allergic to something in the workplace and need to tell someone. And tell them they don't have to worry about being fired,' she adds. "Keeping workers quiet or dismissing tentative complaints is a highly ineffective strategy that's likely to deflate employee morale. Delay also significantly boosts health risks and subsequent costs. ... http://www.businessandhealth.com/hostedfiles/features/allergiesatwork/physician/article04.htm   Top 10 Tips for Addressing Allergic Rhinitis Action Items for Employers Corporate and clinical experts who participated in a Business & Health roundtable agreed on 10 practical tactics for employers who recognize the impact of allergies on job performance. "... 4. Establish a policy addressing strong odors from such sources as perfumes. Even if such odors contain irritants rather than allergens per se, some employees may have a low threshold for distress. ..." I do believe they ought to know that "irritant" used to describe a chemical is not to be confused with an irritant that is an emotional annoyance. When talking about perfume, think of irritant as defined in your Oxford Dictionary: POISON. Although, I must admit, I have found that management teams that prefer to poison the air with perfumed products do cause distress, as used above. Distress as defined by American Heritage Dictionary means: A STATE OF PHYSICAL OR MENTAL SUFFERING, PAIN, MISERY, HURT, AGONY, ANGUISH,WOE, AFFLICTION. Chemical irritants -- poisons -- cause physical injury. -- barb http://www.businessandhealth.com/hostedfiles/features/allergiesatwork/consumer/article01.htm   From Canada: Canada's Safety Council - Canada's Voice and Resource for Safety Perfume in the Workplace Hospitals and healthcare facilities are not only sources of patient care, but they are also workplaces. In all cases, cleaner indoor air is a MUST! -- barb "... Chemicals used in fragrances can cause health problems such as shortness of breath, headaches and migraines, nausea, muscle pain, and cold-like symptoms. Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and allergies can all be adversely affected by the chemicals found in scented products. According to the Lung Association, one study found that 72 per cent of people with asthma had adverse reactions to perfumes. ... "In the meantime, what can workplaces do to protect employees with chemical sensitivities? "First of all, when an employee raises concerns about his or her reaction to perfumes, management should take the matter seriously. Assuming systems are in place to maintain good indoor air quality, the next step is to identify the exact source of the problem and assess its extent. If the source is one or two employees, management should let those employees know the effect their perfume has on other staff and ask them to wear a lighter scent. ..." Lighter scents are petrochemically laden, as are so many products misleadingly labeled in the USA as "fragrance-free" or "unscented." It is OK by our FDA to add scent as a masking odor. -- barb http://www.safety-council.org/info/OSH/perfume.html   Canadian Centre for Occupational and Health Safety ( CCOHS) Indoor Air Quality: A Legitimate OSH Concern "... The reason IAQ problems are difficult to determine is that building occupants are exposed to not one but several adverse conditions. For example, you might not think that the slight emissions from furniture, carpets, photocopiers, or the perfume worn by your co-workers could be harmful, but in combination they can affect your health. Again, these effects are impossible to trace accurately, but the condition does have a name: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). ..." http://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text27.html   Health & Safety Programs - Scent-Free Policy for the Workplace http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/scent_free.html     Centers for Independent Living (CIL) and Independent Living Resource Centers (ILRCs) Arizona Bridge to Independent Living "NO FRAGRANCES PLEASE.Ý The ABIL office is a fragrance-free, tobacco-free environment.Ý Please do not wear scented products or smoking when visiting our center.Ý Thank you. http://www.abil.org/nl/999BRIDG.htm   The Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living 5903 Powdermill Rd. Kent, OH 44240 http://www.april-rural.org/   APRIL Fools and Follies LET'S KEEP THIS CONFERENCE SMOKE AND FRAGRANCE FREE!!! Thank You!! http://www.april-rural.org/docs/news01.html#Fools   Berkeley CIL What Do You Want?! Tell Us! The Center for Independent Living Community Forums "Please Do Not Wear Scented Products." [East Oakland/Fruitvale][En Espanol] "Por Favor No Use Productos Con Perfumes AromatÌcos! " http://www.cilberkeley.org//forums.htm   Independent Living Resource Center of Contra Costa County [and Solano] "... All of ILRCCC's services are FREE and available to consumers and their families who reside in Contra Costa and Solano Counties. All services are provided ragardless of race, religion, income, age, gender, or type of disability. Please call for an appointment to see a service specialist. They maintaing a scent free environment so please refrain from wearing fragrances when visiting their offices. ..." [Emphasis added.] http://LILA.ucla.edu/Master.cfm?Content=Asset&SubContent=Asset_View.cfm&LILA_AssetID=1547&CFID=2101&CFTOKEN=64548637   Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco's (ILRC) "In order to allow ILRCSF to be fully accessible to all people with disabilities,do not wear scented products to any meetings, groups, or workshops held at or by ILRCSF." http://www.ilrcsf.org/   EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Includes people who live with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. -- barb http://www.ilrcsf.org/Publications/prepared/index.htm   Hosting teleconference by Mary Lamielle and Dr. Pamela Gibson: Understanding & Accommodating Multiple Chemical Sensitivity http://ehnca.org/www/events/mpmcstel.htm   Paraquad, Inc. - Independence for people with disabilities St. Louis, MO There are a few good articles up on this website that may be of interest regarding chemical injury. -- barb http://www.paraquad.org/map.html   "THE PRICE OF ACCOMMODATION "Many employers worry that accommodating disabled individuals is expensive. But studies suggest that these costs are less than commonly assumed. Only about one in ten employers reports that costs of accommodating employees with disabilities have risen "a lot" as a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the 1995 Louis Harris/National Organization on Disability survey. Accommodating the worker disabled by our modern synthetic fragrances improves the air for everyone. What a bonus! Learn from your worker who lives with MCS.-- barb http://www.paraquad.org/enable.htm   Fragrance-Free Environments and No -Fragrance Spaces-- Not just a personal preference, but a Vital Matter of Health (The author, Roberta K. Rigsby, Ph.D., has kindly given permission for you to reproduce this without seeking reprint permission, but do check it closely for some typos. -- barb 02/02/02) http://www.paraquad.org/nosmell.htm   Frequently Asked Questions About Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (Watch for a few typos ...) -- barb http://www.paraquad.org/faqmcs.htm   Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Pardon me, but is that your perfume I'm smelling? By Jill Klein -- E-mail: " ... No one would argue the fact that carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas, is highly poisonous. But change the subject to MCS, and many of those same people will still affirm that 'if I can't see it, it doesn't exist.' ..." http://www.paraquad.org/mcs.htm New Workplace Accommodation Challenges for the 21st Century Presented by Mandy J. Gamble, MS, CRC & Tracie D. Sabb, MS Human Factors Consultants; Job Accommodation Network A Service of U.S. DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy This is a great page of information, but for those of us living with the disabiling effects of fragrance sensitization, use your Find Command to drop right to their section on Fragrance Sensitivity. -- barb http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:gm5j_kCCFjkJ:janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc+EEOC+and+fragrance+accommodation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 or http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc or how I found it . . . http://216.239.51.100/search?q=cache:gm5j_kCCFjkJ:janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc+EEOC+and+fragrance+accommodation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8   Cities / States ... see below   How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html Citizens for A Safe Learning Environment Examples of North American Organizations Which Support Scent-Free Environments http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Education/CASLE/examples.html   Disabilities Awareness Guide San Francisco Police Department Environmental Illness (Multiple Chemical Sensitivites, E.I.) [from page 17] http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcssfpd.htm   ECHO'S ADA ACCESS GUIDELINES FOR CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/bkechogu.htm   EEOC ADA Policy Guidance on Job Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities http://www.eeoc.gov/press/3-1-99.html U.S. EEOC - Fragrance Illness Accommodation - Roberts v. U.S. DOT http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/eroberts.htm   Executive PayWatch from AFL-CIO http://www.aflcio.org/paywatch/index.htm Company/Corporation Info from Hoovers Online http://www.hoovers.com/ Fragrances and Aromatic Substances should not be used indiscriminately indoors Berlin, Umweltbundesamt/Federal Environmental Agency, Germany http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/uba-info-presse-e/pressemitteilungen-e/p1400e.htm   Fragrances and Aromatic Substances .... Mirrored on EHN's site with permission of Umweltbundesamt/Federal Environmental Agency, Germany http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/ffberlin.htm   How to Request Accommodation http://www.eeoc.gov/docs/accommodation.html#contents3 JAN (Job Accommodation Network) for Canada and the U.S. "A free service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor" http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/ Jan's Site map http://www.jan.wvu.edu/links/sitemap.html   JAN's Web Site Portal for Employers http://www.jan.wvu.edu/portals/private_er.htm   JAN's Web Site Portal for Individuals http://www.jan.wvu.edu/portals/individuals.htm   Accommodating People with Fibromyalgia Excerpted: "Respiratory Difficulties: Provide adjustable ventilation Keep work environment free from dust, smoke, odor, and fumes Implement a "fragrance-free" workplace policy and a "smoke free" building policy ... " [Emphasis added] http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/Fibro.html   New Workplace Accommodation Challenges for the 21st Century Presented by Mandy J. Gamble, MS, CRC & Tracie D. Sabb, MS Human Factors Consultants; Job Accommodation Network A Service of U.S. DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy This is a great page of information, but for those of us living with the disabiling effects of fragrance sensitization, use your Find Command to drop right to their section on Fragrance Sensitivity. These links will not open new pages. -- barb http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:gm5j_kCCFjkJ:janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc+EEOC+and+fragrance+accommodation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 or http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc or how I found it . . . http://216.239.51.100/search?q=cache:gm5j_kCCFjkJ:janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc+EEOC+and+fragrance+accommodation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8   Worksite Accommodation Ideas for Individuals With Fragrance Sensitivity This link opens a new page. -- barb "... Over the past several years, JAN has provided information regarding fragrance sensitivity and accommodations in the workplace. There has been a steady increase in cases related to chemical sensitivity, environmental illness, allergy and respiratory impairments. JAN Consultants have found that fragrance sensitivity is the most prevalent issue related to these cases. A JAN case database search for the term fragrance resulted in a clear increase in cases since 1992; 37 cases between 1992-1995, and 567 between 1996-2000." [emphasis added] Translation: It costs money to not control the use of scented products in the workplace. And for the chemically injured, the costs are beyond calculation! -- barb "...An employer could choose to make a request that employees voluntarily refrain from wearing fragrances or the employer could go as far as creating a policy that requires employees to refrain. An employer has the right to decide how far is reasonable when implementing accommodations. ..." http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/fragrance.html   Work-Site Accommodation Ideas for Individuals Who Experience Limitations Due to Chemical Sensitivity Environmental Illness (EI) "Basic Accommodation Considerations: Provide air purification. Provide additional rest breaks for the individual to step out for fresh air. Create a smoke and fragrance-free work environment. ..." [Emphasis added] http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/MCS.html   NEJAC's Resolution on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity This link opens a new page. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/thnejac1.htm   Pro Se Lawsuit ... Ragged Edge http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/ "File your own access lawsuit -- here's how" "Thanks to the Pennsylvania Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities for providing this information on how to file a Pro Se Lawsuit. . . ." http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/archive/pro-se.htm   San Francisco Vocational Services (SFVS) "SFVS is a division of Rehabilitation Services of Northern California, Inc. (RSNC), a private, non-profit 501(c)3 multi-service rehabilitation organization. SFVS provides services to the vocationally disabled and industrially injured worker." "Our facility has a fragrance-free policy for those with environmental sensitivities" http://www.sfvocationalservices.org/welcome.htm   Sierra Club's San Francisco Bay Conservation Committee's "98.12.01 Excessive Use of Fragrance Products in Public Places" Referenced in E-Magazine's Smelling Good But Feeling Bad. -- barb http://tamalpais.sierraclub.org/chapters/sanfranciscobay/policy/december1998.htm or on EHN's site: http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/sfbaccff.htm What does perfume do to paint? See a school classroom door that was maliciously sprayed with perfume. -- barb The Fragrant Door http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/doorjudy.htm Return to top   Site-specific suggestions: Access Board [U.S. Access] "Board Adopts Policy to Promote Fragrance-Free Environments" (2000) http://www.access-board.gov/news/fragrance.htm   Meetings "The Board's bylaws provide that Board meetings be held on the Wednesday following the second Tuesday of every other month. The meeting dates for future committee and Board meetings are listed below. The first day listed is a Monday in the event there is a need for a three-day Board meeting. Under its fragrance-free policy, the Board requests that all participants refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and other fragrances, and use unscented personal care products in order to promote a fragrance-free environment at its meetings and other public events. http://www.access-board.gov/about/boardmembers.htm   Access Board and Indoor Air Quality [Solicitations closed 10/30/01] http://www.access-board.gov/news/indoorair-notice.htm   Board Issues New Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Facilities (2002) Summary: Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Electromagnetic Sensitivities http://www.access-board.gov/recreation/final.htm#SUMMARY   Centers for Independent Living (CIL) Cities / States Also check Meeting Notices, below. The Coalition for a Healthy Ottawa Ontario Canada "Debra Sine, Lawyer. 'People with environmental sensitivities have the right to be free from chemical assault. Ontario Commissioner of Human Rights said municipalities have a legal duty to protect the most vulnerable citizens from harm due to pesticide exposures.' " Now available at http://www.flora.org/healthyottawa/fact%20sheets.htm The Coalition for a Healthy Ottawahad been at http://www.sankey.ws/choc.html And, my belief is that all people have a right to be protected from the proliferation of perfume poisons. That could begin with honest labeling and honest reporting of the "thorough" testing the industry claims it does. Let us have truth in labeling. Let's see those industry tests for effects upon users and nonusers from inhalation, for neurological effects, for systemic effects, for effects upon fetuses, our elderly, our already ill, for effects upon all of us over time. IF our modern, synthesized scents are as safe as industry claims, then let's see the chemicals used listed on the labels and the results of truly thorough testing. Bump up the testing to include more than just dermatological effects to the user. -- barb "When No Scents Makes Sense "Please remember to be aware of those people with asthma, allergies, and other lung conditions, whose health is adversely affected when they are exposed to scented products. You can help by not wearing such things as perfumes, colognes and aftershaves - to places like church services, Christmas parties, or other public gatherings. "If you would like to know more about scent-free or fragrance-free products available on PEI, please call our office for our pamphlet, or check out our website (PEI Lung) www.pei.lung.ca." Be savy, for even on their scent-free page, they list a standard insect repellent and unscented, standard fabric softeners. Always winnow all information . . . even what I provide! -- barb http://www.pei.lung.ca/scentfree.html.] How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html   Berkeley, California Change can happen! On Jan. 15, 2002, the Berkeley City Council voted unanimously to change the wording adopted under pressure from the fragrance industry in 1996. Mayor Shirley Dean wrote a friend on Jan. 15, 2002: "I am pleased to inform you that at the Council meeting of January 15, 2002, the following language was moved by Councilmember Betty Olds and approved unanimously by the Council: 'The City Council requests that people refrain from wearing scented products to the meetings.' "This new language will start appearing immediately on all notices of meetings held by the City."   BYE-BYE obfuscating Fragrance-free meeting statement, developed under fragrance industry pressure and adopted April 30, 1996. " Attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various odors, whether natural or manufactured, in products and materials. Please help the City respect these needs." http://ehnca.org/www/newreact/whocares.htm#Berkeley Berkeley's Commission on Disability http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/disability/disabilitydocs/bcdisho.html   Public Art Forum and Workshop for Bay Area Artists This is the old Berkeley language:   " ... This is a smoke-free and fragrance-free meeting; attendees are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various odors, whether natural or manufactured, in products and materials. Please help us respect these needs. ..." http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/news/1999/99may/052799pubart.html   Halifax, Nova Scotia Halifax, Nova Scotia Halifax, Nova Scotia and its fragrance-free information Citizens for A Safe Learning Environment http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Education/CASLE/examples.html   Halifax Regional Municipality "No-Scent Makes Good Sense "Halifax Regional Municipality has had a "No-Scent" encouragement program in effect for the past four years. It encourages people to be aware of others who may suffer allergies or sensitivities to fragrances found in perfumes, hair sprays, deodorants, creams and many other personal grooming products. "There has been tremendous positive feedback from the public and visitors to this policy. However, we must emphasize that this is a "public awareness" program only. It is not a by-law or any other form of legislation; it is not an enforceable issue, and there are no fines or penalties. ..." http://www.region.halifax.ns.ca//mediaroom/scents.html   Oakland, California The city of Oakland has developed a policy which provides not only wording for scent-free meetings, but also "[m]aintains and distributes a list of EI/MCS suitable cleaning anad/or building maintenance products. The stated purpose of this policy is: "To ensure accessibility to City and City-sponsored meetings, programs, activities and services for people with EI/MCS. ..." Policy 138 -- City Access Policy for People With Environmental Illness/Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (EI/MCS) Under Action, page 5, number 6. "When publicizing meetings or other public activities, announce in all media formats as follows: (a) meeting announcement; (b) graphics; (c) additional information; (d) notice on auxiliary aids and services (see AI 123); and (e) EI/MCS notice, as follows: 'In consideration of people with chemical sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfumed personal care products to this event.' " Interestingly, when one clicks out to an agenda or minutes, one will read the following statement, reflecting the industry's wish for limiting it to "strongly scented" products: IN COMPLIANCE WITH OAKLAND'S POLICY FOR PEOPLE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ILLNESS/MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM WEARINGSTRONGLY SCENTED PRODUCTS TO MEETINGS PDF: http://www.oaklandnet.com/government/city_clerk/citycouncilguide.pdf   San Francisco, California "Chemical Sensitivity "In order to assist the City's efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical based products. Please help the City accommodate these individuals." For example, see: Small Business Commission (Nov. 2004), near page bottom http://sfgov.org/site/sbc_page.asp?id=28194 Folks, if you don't know that perfumes are petrochemical-based products, you won't know to leave your perfume and other scented products at home for your own enjoyment, amongst consenting, non-preganat adults. See the toxic chenicals found in fragrances with your own eyes!-- barb EHN's - FDA Petition - Docket Number 99P-1340 (with analyses, FDA contact information and complementary information) http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm Betty's FPIN (Fragranced Products Information Network) http://www.fpinva.org/petition99P1340.htm GreenPeace UK has also made fragrance analyses available . . . see The Chemical Home http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/Products/Toxics/chemicalhouse.cfm?producttypeid=5   San Rafael, California Keyed in from hard copy. -- barb "To allow individuals with environmental illness or multiple chemical sensitivity to attend the meeting or hearing, individuals are requested to refrain from wearing scented products." For example see City of San Rafael Pickleweed Park Advisory Board, near page bottom: http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/pickleweed/   Santa Clara, California) Keyed in from hard copy. -- barb "Individuals with severe allergies, environmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities should contact the City's ADA office at 408.261.5200 to discuss meeting accessibility. In order to allow participation by such individuals, please do not wear scented products to meetings at City facilities." For example see near page bottom of an Agenda (Note, telephone numbers for contacting the ADA office vary with agenda, but the number listed above is one I was given on a copy of their meeting notice policy statement. -- barb) http://cho.ci.santa-clara.ca.us/203.html   Santa Cruz, California " The City of Santa Cruz does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. Out of consideration for people with chemical sensitivities, we ask that you attend fragrance free. If you wish to attend this public meeting and will require assistance such as an interpreter for American Sign Language, Spanish, or other special equipment, please call the City Clerk¼s Department at 420-5030 at least three days in advance so that we can arrange for such special assistance. The Cal-Relay system number: 1-800-735-2922. " For example, see: http://www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/cc/archives/00/7-25a.html   Shutesbury, Massachusetts David Ames writes: "What we have done in Shutesbury makes common sense, and it is easy. Perhaps other towns may wish to implement the same thing. We are doing this as an educational program and not an enforcement program. As you enter the municipal buildings you will see a poster that I downloaded from the Nova Scotia Nurses Union called 'No scents is good sense'." Skunk poster: http://www.yorku.ca/dohs/doc/Guidelines/ScentedProducts/skunk.htm. I made some pouches out of envelopes and we have placed awareness flyers in them. We purposely vary the official language somewhat. We have used the following:   This is a fragrance free zone. This meeting is fragrance free. This meeting is fragrance free for everyone's comfort. Please remember that this is a fragrance free meeting. Thank you for making this a fragrance free meeting.   David Ames wrote to me: I am more than glad to have you share our efforts. If anyone has any other questions, feel free to e-mail David Ames townadmin@shutesbury.org or call me at 413.259.1214. Shutesbury's Town Hall accessibility project underway. What is Fragrance Free, anyway? FAQ About Fragrances Ziporah Hildebrandt, Chair, ADA Committee http://www.shutesbury.org/ada_committee/project_underway.htm   Shutesbury holds its nose over scents By Associated Press, 4/27/2003; Boston Globe http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/117/metro/Shutesbury_holds_its_nose_over_scents-.shtml   Shutesbury goes 'fragrance-free' By SCOTT MERZBACH, Staff Writer Daily Hampshire Gazette http://www.gazettenet.com/09182001/news/6550.htm or http://web.archive.org/web/20011213020523/http://www.gazettenet.com/09182001/news/6550.htm [Shutesbury] Non-toxic and Fragrance-Free Cleaning Supplies Approved by Shutesbury ADA Com for use in town buildings http://shutesbury.org/ada_committee/documents/cleaning.html [Shutesbury] Preferable Office Equipment and Furnishings http://shutesbury.org/ada_committee/documents/equip.html [Shutesbury] Why we request fragrance free ä http://shutesbury.org/ada_committee/documents/fragranceFree.html STATES . . . Missouri: Office of Administration's Fragrance-Free Policy My home state -- I'm proud of the work Jeanne has accomplished, and of my state for listening to the information and documentation that she and her colleagues have brought to their attention. My guiding principle has been Show Me! And, that's what I ask of the fragrance industry and the government agencies charged with protecting public health: Show me, and all of us, that the trade secret-protected petrochemically derived chemicals used in inadequately tested combinations are truly safe. Right now we are certainly assured by industry that their products are "safe and wholesome." (By whose definition of those words, I wonder!) That flies in the face of reality: growing numbers of fragrance-sensitized individuals of all ages, races, genders. And, we are led to believe these products are safe, without substantiation of safety, and with total disregard of the effects upon non users, with total disregard of the long-term and systemic effects upon users and nonusers and despite the fact that during the years of the unchecked proliferation of perfume and perfumed products, chronic diseases and premature deaths have skyrocked. -- barb " ... The Governor's Council on Disability requests that all offices and spaces used by Council staff and by their visitors remain free of chemical-based scented products. ...Ý" http://www.gcd.oa.mo.gov/scentfree.shtml   -- back to General Suggestions, above -- -- back to Meeting Notices, below --   Remember, links drop but you should be able to find articles if important to you.   -- barb   Cleaners, Disinfectants & Air "fresheners" You and others around you get your fragrance chemicals from cleaners, disinfectants and air "fresheners" (WHAT A MISNOMER, THAT IS!) . . . as well as in perfumes and personal care products. Just think, you don't have to be a primary fragrance user, you simply have to breathe the air polluted by the multitude of perfumed products! -- barb Fragrance-free Hospitals, Schools, Workplaces, etc. need fragrance-FREE cleaning and maintenance products. The following info is provided in the spirit of helping you find safer products -- "greener," which means healthier and more environmentally friendly, products. EHN does not recommend any products. Some products listed here are only to give you an idea of what is available. -- barb GREEN defined: The Department of the Interior states under its "Guidance and Training on Greening Your Janitorial Business CHAPTER 2: Traditional Versus "Green" Cleaning Products" -- subhead: "A Sampling of Environmental Attributes for Cleaning Products" "Must not contain petrochemical-derived fragrances." http://www.doi.gov/greening/sustain/trad.html Check your "green" products! See pages C / Clean and G / Green and "Pest Mgt. Info on EHN's "General Links" C, Clean http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/c.htm#Clean G, Green http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/g.htm#Green   "Pest" Mgt. & Pesticide Info http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/pestcide.htm The fragrance industry tells us that fragrances do not clean the air. RIFM RESPIRATORY SAFETY PROGRAM - INDOOR AIR QUALITY http://www.rifm.org/WHITE%20PAPER%20IAQ%20DIsola%20v2%2004082004.htm.   Suggestions for greening your cleaning, follows. This should mean fragrance-FREE to you, if you begin studying the chemicals used to make our modern scents. During the past 30 years or so, the fragrance industry has moved to ownership by big pharmaceuticals and from scents made largely from plant and animal essences to those that are mostly synthesized from petrochemical derivatives. (You may also wish to be mindful of the fact that modern pharmaceuticals can also be synthesized from petrochemical derivatives.) Managers/ Administrators: Do you have health problems in the workplace? Think fragrances . . . they are among the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) you often read about as being pollutants. And don't forget, fragrances are added to personal care products as well as household and janitorial cleaning and maintenance products. This includes detergents and fabric softeners as well as disinfectants and pesticides. Imagine the air pollution capabilities from the plethora of fragrance products in your workplace. Then get to work cleaning up. Go fragrance-FREE. A little fragrance education for your employees, and they may get the idea to start ridding their home environments of these unnecessary scent toxins also. And you should think in terms of making purchases of green, fragrance-FREE products for use around the workplace. -- barb CleaningPro -- Great info available, but again, do your own research. -- barb Fragrance-free Cleaning Products http://www.cleaningpro.com/products/a-z/f.htm#Fragrance-Free   A TOXICITY REPORT ON CLEANING CHEMICALS! ARE YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN SAFE? http://www.cleaningpro.com/toxic.cfm   Cleaning Products A to Z: A Includes fragrance-FREE. -- barb http://www.cleaningpro.com/products/a-z/a.htm   Cleaning Products From A to Z: H Includes fragrance-FREE. -- barb http://www.cleaningpro.com/products/a-z/h.htm   The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Environmentally Preferable Products Procurement Program Cleaning Products, Environmentally Preferable http://www.state.ma.us/osd/enviro/products/cleaning.htm   Health Care Without Harm's info on Fragrances, Cleaners, Disinfectants and Pesticides http://www.noharm.org/pesticidesCleaners/issue   Improved Productivity and Health from Better Indoor Environments "Recently completed analyses suggest that improving buildings and indoor environments could reduce health-care costs and sick leave and increase worker performance, resulting in an estimated productivity gain of $30 to $150 billion annually. " CBS Newsletter; Summer 1997; pg. 5 Now if this doesn't speak volumes on WHY you should start a truly clean cleaning policy, I don't know what will. Available through The WayBack Machine. -- barb http://web.archive.org/web/20020615073431/http://eetd.lbl.gov/cbs/newsletter/NL15/productivity.html   Virox Disinfectants and Sanitizers Alas, for the life of me I cannot remember how I came upon this information, but as in all cases, do your own research. EHN nor I recommend . . . this is only a suggestion to show you what is available. -- barb http://www.viroxtech.com/industrial/but_disinfectant.asp -- end Clean information and suggestions -- For more info, go to EHN's specific sections on CLEAN, GREEN, PAINT, CARPETS, etc. available off homepage . . . www.ehnca.org -- barb ECHO's How to http://hometown.aol.com/ECHOMCSCT/index19.html EEOC - Fragrance Illness Accommodation - Roberts v. U.S. DOT http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/eroberts.htm   Examples of Accommodation: When Fragrances Are Toxic CCH Canadian http://www.ca.cch.com/emonthly/sept/hr/index1.asp#self   FedWorkersComp.net helping injured workers since 1998 - formerly Fedupfeds.org http://www.fedworkerscomp.net/ MCS Guide - An introduction by Bonnye Matthews, MCS survivor http://www.fedworkerscomp.net/mcsguide.htm Fragrance Foundation®, Inc.and the "Scent circle" http://www.fragrance.org/feature_tip_content.html Opinion: The industry's standard for escaping fragrance chemicals is "approximately an arm's length" but that is next to impossible to adhere to with the formulation of these modern synthetic, petrochemical-derived scents. Perfumes are volatile organic compounds, which leave the user to become one with the air we all breathe! Air is not stagnant. It moves, it flows, and it takes its chemical pollutants with it. Remember air currents? They don't just show up on weather maps. Add to that the fact that the industry also advises people to layer up starting with toilet water and also from feet to head ... and to reapply during the day. Not to mention, synthetic scents are now made to waft further and last longer and there are more scents added to a greater variety of products than ever before. And if that isn't enough to cause unwarranted air pollution, more people are wearing more scents more places than ever before. Seems to me, that just as is discovered with drugs when a new one is rushed to market with relatively few people using it, the more people who use synthetic chemicals, the more likely the chance that there will be obvious negative effects. But in the case of scented products, adverse health events happen to user AND to the nonuser, who in reality is the secondhand user. Be it synthetic drugs or fragrances or pesticides, some adverse health effects come sooner to some people, than others. But over time, everyone is subject to the negative effects of superfluous toxins -- fragrance chemicals store in fatty tissue and target organs.And the more people who use these products, the more likely those adverse effects will come to light. While adverse health effects of drugs affect the users, fragrances in personal care and household and janitorial cleaning and maintenance prdoucts can adversely affect both first- and secondhand users -- including pregnant women. Let me spell this out: there is evidence that embryos and fetuses can be adversely affected by fragrance chemicals. See EHN's Pregnancy & Fragrance http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/p.htm#Pregnancy One's reaction to synthetic fragrances could be something so insidious as having recurring "colds" or "flu" or it could show up as"adult onset acne" or "adult onset asthma" due to airborne fragrance chemicals used by others. (This has happened to me, and one of my daughters has eczema flares). Or it could be that one goes into asthma or anaphylactic shock, sinusitis, migraines or other headaches ... or a dizzying array of other symptoms. All of which are believeable by the astute doctor who stops to realize that there may be over 5,000 (certainly at least 3,000) chemicals used to formulate fragrances, tens to hundreds of which are used to create a scent, and too little toxicological data is known about those chemicals used singly. But what is known is that the chemicals include VOCs, irritants, sensitiziers, and they are suspected or known neurotoxins, carcinogens and/or teratogens (adversely affecting embryonic or fetal development). It is past time due that our government start protecting public health and that our medical industry start recognizing that synthetic chemical products can and do cause a wide variety of debilitating and disabling illnesses. Our soaring rates of asthma, cancers, various chronic illnesses, including MCS, is more than the stultifying image given of just a bunch of crybabies clammoring for attention. It is the mark of chemical poisoning. We are the harbingers. Listen to us! Fragrance sensitization demands the attention of our government officials and of our medical industry . . . sans pharmaceutical biases, and without the oft-published rants of industry apologists. In the meantime: Caveat Emptor! -- barb     Dance It is good sense to leave your scents at home when dancing. Heat makes the chemicals in synthetically scented products volatilize all the more, which quickly pollutes the air for all. Plus, your increased respiration does a wonderfu job of bringing the chemicals into your body, whether from your products or those worn by others. People have become disabled as a result of secondary and tertiary levels of exposure. Me for one. In the workplace. Low-levels they say! Remember to check FDA Petition and Analyses for chemicals found in popular scents. http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm Chemical injury can happen to YOU. The industry is not regulated. Synthetic scents contain chemicals that are known irritants and sensitizers and contain known or suspected carcinogens, neurotoxins and teratogens (adversely affecting embryonic and fetal development.) Scent-free is a health issue. Being disabled by the chemicals in scented products makes it an access issue. Please use sense, not scents. -- barb How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html   22nd Annual Spring Ball in Ashland, April 6, 2002 Hosted by the Ashland Branch of the Heather and the Rose Country Dancers Contact: Brooke Friendly, (541) 482-9586, friendsack@opendoor.com " ... This event is fragrance-free - please help us make dance accessible to all by not wearing scented products! For more information on safe products to use and the harmful effects of fragrance see the Seattle Country Dancers fragrance-free web page. ..." http://www.opendoor.com/heatherandrose/activities.html   The Bay Area Country Dance Society Website (San Francisco Bay Area) http://www.bacds.org/   BACDS 2003 Playford Ball "An Entertainment in King Arthur's Court" March 29, 2003 Fragrance-FREE request with suggestions for products to use. -- barb Excerpted: "Fragrance Free: "Some dance attendees suffer from heightened sensitivity to solvents and petroleum products including perfume and fragrance. These chemicals can act not only as respiratory irritants, but also as cardiac stimulants (skyrocketing blood pressure, palpitations) and neurotoxins (symptoms include tremors, mental confusion, equilibrium loss, blurred vision). Exposure to products containing even small amounts of these chemicals can cause these symptoms. "Please understand that this is not just a preference issue - it can be a serious health issue. Chemical sensitivity results from continued exposure to solvents and products in doses thought to be safe: this could happen to any one of us. Because the dance halls are enclosed spaces, even small amounts of fragrance or scented or toxic products on a few people can add up quickly to intolerable amounts. Our fellow dancers with chemical sensitivities may not be able to attend unless we all work together to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals. I'll vouch for the skyrocketing blood pressure . . . but some friends have precipitous drops. Diversity shows up in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, too. I'll also state that it is imperative that everyone be fragrance-free. Modern fragrances are concocted so that if one person decides s/he has the God-given right to wear man-made petroleum synthesized products, the already chemically injured individual will be forced out, or could suffer dire health consequences. --barb http://timelord01.home.sprynet.com/playford/fragrance.htm Fragrance Free Camp March 14 - 16, 2003 http://www.bacds.org/camps/sprwkend2003/fragrancefree/   English Dance Week, July 2002 " ... A significant number of campers suffer from heightened sensitivity to solvents and petroleum products, including perfume and fragrance. To deal with this serious health issue we've instituted a fragrance-free policy, so that we can open the dance floor to everyone. We provide fragrance-free soap, shampoo, conditioner, and hand lotion for camper use at all the bathrooms and hand-wash stations. Further details appear in your camper letter. ..." http://www.bacds.org/camps/eweek2002/ew02site.html   Information on Our Fragrance-Free Policy http://www.bacds.org/camps/eweek2002/fragfree.html   BACDS 2002 Playford Ball Bay Area Country Dance (that is the San Francisco Bay Area) "A Midsummer Night's Dream" March 23, 2002 "Fragrance Free: " A significant number of dance attendees suffer from heightened sensitivity to solvents and petroleum products including perfume and fragrance. These chemicals can act not only as respiratory irritants, but also as cardiac stimulants (skyrocketing blood pressure, palpitations) and neurotoxins (symptoms include tremors, mental confusion, equilibrium loss, blurred vision). Exposure to products containing even small amounts of thee chemicals can cause these symptoms. "Please understand that this is not a preference issue - it is a serious health issue. Chemical sensitivity results from continued exposure to solvents and products in doses thought to be safe: this could happen to any one of us. Because the dance halls are enclosed spaces, even small amounts of fragrance or scented or toxic products on a few people can add up quickly to intolerable amounts. Our fellow dancers with chemical sensitivities can attend only if we all work together to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals. ..." This page includes info on some fragrance-free products . . . but remember, we are all different in what we can tolerate. -- barb http://timelord01.home.sprynet.com/playford/fragrance.htm   Citing health concerns, activists seek restrictions, scent-free areas By Jenny Deam; Denver Post Staff Writer; June 25, 2000 http://www.denverpost.com/life/sniff0625.htm   Dance-Scents-Less - a list to join http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dance-scents-less/messages   California Friends of Louisiana French Music (CFLFM) Some of you may not be aware that CFLFM has begun supporting a fragrance-free dance environment. Out of consideration for those who are allergic to scented products (and thereðis more than one person), we ask that you refrain from wearing them to the events we sponsor. At most of our events we make no attempt to monitor fragrance use. Instead, we rely on a spirit of cooperation, growing out of a recognition that we all share the air. However, certain designated events, particularly those held in Petaluma, will be labelled "Fragrance-Free". At these events, there will an expectation that people will be able to attend without a risk to their health. Knowing that most people still need to get used to this fragrance-free idea, and will sometimes forget, there will be no "cop at the door". However, complaints from other attendees will be taken into consideration. We're playing this by ear and want to keep everyone happy, but the eventual goal of the fragrance-free events is for them to be just that, 100% fragrance-free. To save any misuderstanding or inconvenience, please do not wear any scented products to an event labeled Fragrance Free. There are unscented versions of any personal hygiene product you might need, and some may be available at the event for your convenience. Thank you for your cooperation. -- Dwight Shackelford, tshack@silver-bayou.com   WHAT IS ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING? English Country Dancing - Washington State "Seattle: 1st, 3d, 5th Fridays September-June at University Friends Center, Beginner's Workshop 7:30, dance 8-10:30. ALL DANCES ARE FRAGRANCE-FREE. http://www-ssrl.slac.stanford.edu/~winston/ecd/hotbeds.htmlx#Washington   Seattle's English Country Ball Dancing in Clean Air: Our Fragrance-free Policy "The Seattle English country dances are advertised as "fragrance free". This is because about 15% of the general population and about 20% of our English country dance community have adverse health effects from perfume and solvents, and become ill from even small amounts of fragrance products. Reported adverse health effects from perfume range from migraine headaches and asthma attacks to cardiac and neurological symptoms, including permanent brain damage. This is not a preference issue -- it is a serious health issue for a significant number of people. ..." http://ball2001.editthispage.com/fragrance   Seattle - The Third Occasional Cascadia English Country Dance Weekend April 29-30, Year???; Lake City Community Center, 12531 - 28th Ave. NE, Seattle (This fragrance free dance link no longer works.) http://www.oz.net/~bestockp/cascadia.html)   Seattle's English Country Ball - Fragrance-Free Policy January 13, 2001 http://ball2001.editthispage.com/fragrance   Garry Kaluzny's Cajun/Zydeco Page Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA "Note that the Cajun/Zydeco dances at the Pittsfield Grange Hall are: Smoke-free! Alcohol-free! Fragrance-free! We ask that patrons please refrain from wearing perfumes or other scented products. This is so folks with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (and who can't be around chemical "fragrances") can come dancing, too! http://acs.madonna.edu/~kaluzny/cajun/   North Bay Country Dance Society (North San Francisco Bay Area) Fragrance-Free Dances "Your thoughtfulness in refraining from applying fragrance before coming to a dance helps our members who have chemical sensitivities." http://www.nbcds.org/calendar/blurb.html   Spring Dance Romance Registration Update (March 12, 1999 ) "We are also trying an experiment this year at SDR. There are members of the dance community (and in fact the world), who have varying degrees of sensitivity to chemicals used in perfumes, after shaves, hair products, and many personal care items. These products can trigger asthma attacks, and other physical reactions. While we understand that in no way can we provide a chemically/fragrance free environment, we would like to try making the weekend enjoyable for all. We are asking participants who choose to dance in the fragrance free/low fragrance dance line, to refrain from wearing scented personal care products. We also recognize that this is an individual matter and in no way want anyone to feel that they cannot make their own personal choices. There will be sample packets of fragrance free/low fragrance products available to dancers when they register at the dance. http://tcd.sbc.edu/update.html EMF/EMR (Electromagnetic Field/Radiation) Injury See EHN's informational resources http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/e.htm#EMF Susan Molloy, Consultant to the Chemically and Electrically Sensitive for Access to schools, public buildings, etc. "Susan Molloy" susanm@cybertrails.com Also see, http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/m.htm#Molloy   Hospitals - Healthcare Facilities and Health Issues Here is the GOOD NEWS (Bad News, below) Also see General Suggestions for more ideas regarding access and accommodation. http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/takheart.htm#Access With the rapidly rising rates of asthma cases, cancers, Parkinson's, ADD, ADHD, Alzheimers, acne, eczema, rhinitis, sinusitis, etc. -- and including iatrogenic illnesses and deaths -- I suggest that the medical industry start paying attention to the real experts: The persons already living with chemical injury. It is past time due to stop paying attention to the chemical industry front organizations with industry apologists, and it's quacking doctors. Healthcare facilities with true concern for their patients' and staff's health and welfare have concern for their air quality! Such healthcare facilities create and implement policies and programs that restrict the use of fragrances and pesticides. 2004: FINALLY! The fragrance industry tells us that fragrances do not clean the air. "RIFM RESPIRATORY SAFETY PROGRAM - INDOOR AIR QUALITY" http://www.rifm.org/WHITE%20PAPER%20IAQ%20DIsola%20v2%2004082004.htm. -- barb ACCESS TO MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED By Kathleen Houghton Dir. Alaska CFIDS/MCS Association; Date: Feb 16, 2000 Posted by blanket permission -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/hosacces.htm   ieq - Indoor Environmental Quality Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Protocol Southwest General Health Center (SWGHC) Middleburg Heights, OH From NIBS' website (National Institute of Building Sciences) "Purpose: To outline the management and nursing responsibilities caring for a patient experiencing Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)" I hope that ALL healthcare facilities start recognizing the special needs of the ALREADY chemically injured patient. In doing so, facilities may go far in preventing more cases of MCS. -- barb http://ieq.nibs.org/rooms/app_c.php   RULE 402. NUISANCE (Adopted May 7, 1976) 402-3 100 GENERAL 101 PURPOSE: To protect the public's health and welfare from the emission of air contaminants which constitute a nuisance. 102 EXEMPTIONS: The provisions of this rule shall not apply to odors emanating from agricultural operations necessary for the growing of crops or the raising of fowl or animals. (California Health & Safety Code, Section 41705) 300 STANDARDS 301 NUISANCE: A person shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other materials which cause injury, detriment, nuisance or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, or which cause or have natural tendency to cause injury or damage to business or property. (California Health & Safety Code, Section 41700) (Knowing the damage caused by pesticides to people, plants and animals, including pollinator species, I'd sure like to know why this rule does not apply to mega agricultural operations. Further, I'd like to know just how it is that health care facilities and doctors' offices can continue to pollute the air -- and people's bodies -- with fragrance products, including cleaners, air "fresheners" perfumes, scented personal care and cleaning products. Why does this poisoning continue??? Because doctors listen to the chemical industry and not to their patients??? -- barb wilkie, EHN president emerita) To view as HTML: http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:llunUEeb19kJ:www.airquality.org/rules/rule402.pdf+rule+402,+A+person+shall+not+discharge+from+any+source+whatsoever+such+quantities&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&ie=UTF-8 To view as PDF: http://www.airquality.org/rules/rule402.pdf Hospitalization for the Chemically Sensitive Patient* By Selene Anema, RN "GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS "All members of the medical team should be fragrance-free, especially in regard to perfumes and colognes. " And, if I had my way, ALL staff of any healthcare facility -- or individual doctor's office -- would be fragrance free, for any one person's cologne, could easily poison the air for an already chemically ill patient. And all workers have to enter and leave their work area from time to time to pollute the air for all others. Plus, with modern HVAC systems, we are all breathing shared air. So share the air free of toxins found in petrochemically derived products, whether they be personal care type of products, or cleaning and maintenance products. Thanks. barb wilkie, EHN president emerita http://www.ctaz.com/~bhima/hospital.htm American Public Health Association Chemical Sensitivity "The APHA Annual Meeting is a smoke-free event. Smoking is not permitted in any of the meeting rooms used for scientific sessions, business meetings or APHA sponsored social events. In addition, the Washington Convention Center is a smoke-free environment. Be aware however, that hotels do allow smoking in some public areas. Specific requests will be made to the hotels that chemicals not be used on the meeting room carpeting within 4 days of the commencement of our meeting and that only unscented products be used in guest rooms. In addition, APHA requests that its meeting attendees refrain from the use of perfumes, hairsprays and other chemicals, for the comfort and health of all our registrants. ..." [Emphasis added.] http://www.apha.org/meetings/access.htm#cs   Draft Report on the Environment "Researchers do not understand completely why children develop asthma or why asthma prevalence has increased in the past two decades." L@@K at the proliferation of fragranced products during those two decades. The answer may be right there under your nose! Let's PREVENT asthma, rather than load kids up with drugs to help them over asthmatic attacks. -- barb http://www.epa.gov/indicators/roe/html/roeHealthSt2.htm   Health Care Without Harm -- The Issue Pesticides, Fragrances & Cleaners http://www.noharm.org/pesticidesCleaners/issue   Hospitalization for the Chemically Sensitive Patient* Selene Anema, RN http://www.ctaz.com/~bhima/hospital.htm How to Be Fragrance Free and Why  By Peggy Munson.© This article may be reprinted and distributed freely. Suggestions . . . listen to your body or listen to the person who is seeking accommodation. -- barb http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html   Buying Fragrance Free Products  By Peggy Munson.© This article may be reprinted and distributed freely. Suggestions . . . listen to your body or listen to the person who is seeking accommodation. -- barb http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/products.html   Perfumes and Asthma - don¼t mix Cited information with links from Anderson Laboratories. -- barb http://www.andersonlaboratories.com/alweb30.htm   Pesticides and fragrance products are recognized air pollutants. NIEHS - http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/faq/indoor.htm   From Canada: Canada's Safety Council - Canada's Voice and Resource for Safety Perfume in the Workplace Hospitals and healthcare facilities are not only sources of patient care, but they are also workplaces. In all cases, cleaner indoor air is a MUST! -- barb "... Chemicals used in fragrances can cause health problems such as shortness of breath, headaches and migraines, nausea, muscle pain, and cold-like symptoms. Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and allergies can all be adversely affected by the chemicals found in scented products. According to the Lung Association, one study found that 72 per cent of people with asthma had adverse reactions to perfumes. ... "In the meantime, what can workplaces do to protect employees with chemical sensitivities? "First of all, when an employee raises concerns about his or her reaction to perfumes, management should take the matter seriously. Assuming systems are in place to maintain good indoor air quality, the next step is to identify the exact source of the problem and assess its extent. If the source is one or two employees, management should let those employees know the effect their perfume has on other staff and ask them to wear a lighter scent. ..." Lighter scents are petrochemically laden, as are so many products misleadingly labeled in the USA as "fragrance-free" or "unscented." It is OK by our FDA to add scent as a masking odor. -- barb http://www.safety-council.org/info/OSH/perfume.html   Canadian Centre for Occupational and Health Safety ( CCOHS) Indoor Air Quality: A Legitimate OSH Concern "... The reason IAQ problems are difficult to determine is that building occupants are exposed to not one but several adverse conditions. For example, you might not think that the slight emissions from furniture, carpets, photocopiers, or the perfume worn by your co-workers could be harmful, but in combination they can affect your health. Again, these effects are impossible to trace accurately, but the condition does have a name: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). ..." http://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text27.html   Health & Safety Programs - Scent-Free Policy for the Workplace http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/scent_free.html   Canadian Society for Environmental Medicine Guide for Hospital Staff in Caring for Persons with Allergies/Sensitiities Discussion Draft; September, 1997 http://www.chebucto.ca/~cares/CSEMguide.html Citizens for A Safe Learning Environment Many examples of fragrance-free environment, including for health centers and hospitals. http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Education/CASLE/examples.html   Clark & Bennett Spa Salon Toxic Fragrances Examples of Accommodation: When Fragrances Are Toxic; September 2001 "... For all these reasons, no-scent policies or scent-free encouragement programs make sense in many circumstances. Prevention is the best practice that any employer can adopt in the workplace. No amount of human suffering is justifiable. In the case of fragrance-associated health problems, prevention and avoidance are the only cures. Health advisories and a well-informed workforce make for happier and more productive employees. " This is what they had had available . . . at http://www.clarkeandbennett.com/articles/fragrance.html . However, in 2003, I can no longer find that page, but their homepage does contain information on fragrances, which you may find useful. -- barb http://www.clarkeandbennett.com/   Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston, ON Hotel Dieu Hospital is a SCENT FREE Work Environment http://www.hoteldieu.com/scentfree.html "When No Scents Makes Sense "Please remember to be aware of those people with asthma, allergies, and other lung conditions, whose health is adversely affected when they are exposed to scented products. You can help by not wearing such things as perfumes, colognes and aftershaves - to places like church services, Christmas parties, or other public gatherings. "If you would like to know more about scent-free or fragrance-free products available on PEI, please call our office for our pamphlet, or check out our website at www.pei.lung.ca." Be savy, for even on their scent-free page, they list a standard insect repellent and unscented, standard fabric softeners. Always winnow all information . . . even what I provide! http://www.pei.lung.ca/scentfree.html.] Be sure to check out other sections on this page, for we all can learn from successful fragrance-free programs. -- barb   American Environmental Health Foundation http://www.aehf.com   Ceramic masks and tygon tubing http://www.aehf.com/cgi-bin/web_store.cgi?product=meds&cart_id=5229086.212 Note: AEHF suggests cleaning/outgassing the tubing in distilled water brought to a boil with baking soda and then add tubing and turn off heat. I've done this (on my own, before reading about it) for the regular cannula and tubing supplied with my tank. I don't have to use oxygen for extended periods, but I must outgas new tubing. This works for me. -- barb   Fragrance-FREE and pesticide-FREE Hospitals, Doctors' Offices and Health Care Facilities We each need to be our own advocate when trying to educate our doctors and healthcare facilities. Sites like EHN and Fragranced Products Information Network, as well as those listed under EHN's MCS Links page can provide you with well-researched and documented information. Please understand that many of us are very busy advocating for cleaner air and safer health care facilities as background work. But when it comes right down to it, each of us is on our own in our efforts to educate our own doctors. If they are recalcitrant, your health demands that you look for a healthcare practioner who is willing to learn. Please use the information you find on EHN's pages to best help you convince your hospital administration that they really owe it to their staff and their patients to develop and implement fragrance- and pesticide-free policies. It is within their rights to do so. As stated on the JAN site, "...An employer could choose to make a request that employees voluntarily refrain from wearing fragrances or the employer could go as far as creating a policy that requires employees to refrain. An employer has the right to decide how far is reasonable when implementing accommodations. ..." So folks, use the information found throughout this page and EHN's site to best help you. And remember, prove that fragrances contain toxic chemicals. Print out and use the analysis information available through the FDA Petition Docket Number 99P - 1340 and do turn to the Not Too Pretty report at http://www.NotTooPretty.org. As also shown in the FDA Petition, phthalates are commonly found in fragrances. -- barb American Journal of Nursing - June, 2003 - Volume 103, Issue 6 Health & Safety Scent of a Workplace Fragrances are a major source of indoor air pollution. By Peggy Wolff, MS, APRN, HNC http://www.nursingworld.org/AJN/2003/june/health.htm   Brigham and Women's Hospital Fragrance-Controlled Workplace http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/bwhosp.htm   Keeping BWH Fragrance Free January 2002 "BWH has a Fragrance-Free Policy to help provide a healthier and more comfortable environment for patients and staff. Everyone is reminded to refrain from using scented products. These include products that are intended to produce an attractive smell to others, in addition to the user. Some examples include colognes, perfumes, after-shave products, soaps, lotions, powders, deodorants, hair products and other personal care products. Individuals with concerns or symptoms due to fragrance exposure or those interested in obtaining posters and brochures, should contact Occupational Health Services at ext. 2-8501." http://healthcare.partners.org/bwhintranet/nursing/viewnursing.cfm?NursingID=232 OR: http://web.archive.org/web/20021106142148/http://healthcare.partners.org/bwhintranet/nursing/viewnursing.cfm?NursingID=232   Neonatology/NICU - NICU Environment Guidelines "1. Please refrain from wearing any perfumes or colognes while visiting the NICU. Some people are sensitive to perfumes and suffer serious symptoms when exposed to them. We are concerned that there may be ill effects on the delicate lungs of the babies. ..." http://www.brighamandwomens.org/newbornmedicine/guidelines/NICUenviron.asp   Division of Pulmonary Rehabilitation - Department News "Please be considerate of others when you attend rehab class or maintenance hours and do not wear perfumes, colognes or aftershaves. Many pulmonary patients are sensitive to these products and it affects their breathing. http://www.brighamandwomens.org/pulmonaryrehab/news/news.asp   The Dana Farber/Brigham and Women¼s Cancer Center Radiology Department Hmmmmm, think what fragrance chemicals interfere with in your body. -- barb "Mammography is a specialized form of x-ray that is used to detect and monitor changes in the breast tissue. On the day that your exam in scheduled, you should avoid using lotions, creams, powders, perfumes, and anti-perspirant/deodorant products near your breasts (including the underarms), or plan to wash them off prior to the exam. These items may contain ingredients that could interfere with the exam. No other special preparation is necessary. When you arrive for your appointment, you will be given a hospital gown and asked to remove all clothing form the waist up. You will also be asked to remove any jewelry or metal that could interfere with the exam. " http://www.brighamandwomens.org/bwhcancer/clinical/radiology/ourservices.asp   Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine Suggested safe substitutions for personal products Allan D. Lieberman, M.D. - Medical Director The center is fragrance-FREE! -- barb " The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine specializes in treating patients with environmentally triggered health problems, including injuries sustained as a result of exposure to chemicals in the environment. The Center, in operation since 1978, is located off South Carolina Interstate 26 in North Charleston. Our 6,500 square foot Center consists of medical, laboratory, and testing facilities. It was designed and is run to be as safe an environment for our patients as possible ‚ it is a strictly smoke and scent free facility, utilizing specialized air filtration throughout the building, water filtration systems, non-toxic cleaning products, and completely non-toxic pest control. " You MUST register as a patient to use this site. -- barb http://www.coem.com/   The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology " Hackensack University Medical Center represents the first hospital-based program whose specific mission is to identify, control, and ultimately prevent environmental factors that cause adult, and especially, pediatric cancer. ... "... Deirdre Imus Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hackensack University Medical Center has become the first in the nation to undertake a comprehensive „greening¾ program. As examples, all of the institution¼s traditional toxic cleaning agents have been removed and replaced by products that are virtually toxin free. The offices at The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology are being upgraded with „environmentally friendly¾ furnishings and supplies whose manufacturer eliminated toxic materials. And, the center remains constantly on alert for other areas where environmental insults can be eliminated. ..." http://www.dienviro.com/index.asp?lobid=412&qstr=   Disabilities Interest Group (D I G ) of UCSF "[IAQ Policy] Rationale: The number of people with chemical sensitivities is rapidly increasing in the context of increased manufacture and use of synthetic chemicals, air-tight energy efficient buildings, synthetic building materials, pesticides, and the use of fragrances in everything from toilet paper to clothing. ..." http://www.ucsf.edu/dig/   Draft IAQ Policy http://www.ucsf.edu/dig/Draft%20indoor%20air%202.doc Can also be viewed in HTML via Google at http://216.239.53.104/search?q=cache:ReUYq2jHyiUJ:www.ucsf.edu/dig/Draft%2520indoor%2520air%25202.doc+UCSF+indoor+air&hl=en&ie=UTF-8   Honors from Disabilities Interest Group First Appeared Monday, 15 December '03 " The School of Nursing, represented by dean Kathy Dracup, was appreciated for longstanding efforts to educate faculty about disability issues, advocate for accessibility, and particularly for its five-year-old voluntary fragrance-free policy." [Emphasis added.] http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/news.php?news_id=200312119 or print: http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/print.php?news_id=200312119   Greening The Cleaning "... The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection further states that a green chemical should include the following standards: Must not contain carcinogens, mutagens or teratogens   Must not contain any ozone depleting compounds, greenhouse gasses or substances that contribute to smog   Must not be corrosive or irritating to the skin or eyes   Must not be delivered in aerosol cans   Must not contain petrochemical-derived fragrances ..." Naturally, if the product"Must not contain carcinogens, mutagens or teratogens," it simply cannot contain "petrochemical-derived fragrances." Our modern synthetic scents, derived from petrochemicals, contain chemicals that are known and suspected carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens. There is more, much more info on DOI's page. Visit this site! -- barb http://www.dienviro.com/Index1.asp?BD=6325   Guide for Hospital Staff in Caring for Persons with Allergies/Sensitiities Canadian Society for Environmental Medicine Discussion Draft - September, 1997 Brought to you by Advocate -Online- http://www.chebucto.ca/~cares/CSEMguide.html   Halton Healthcare http://www.haltonhealthcare.com   Visiting Our Hospital General Guidelines " ...Patients, visitors and staff are asked to refrain from using perfume, after-shave, cologne or other scented personal care products when in the hospital, due to possible patient allergies. ... " http://www.haltonhealthcare.com/mvisit.php#general   "[HHS] has recently implemented a Fragrance Free Policy to safeguard the health of its patients, visitors, employees and volunteers. Everyone is requested to refrain from the use of scented products wherever and whenever possible. " http://www.haltonhealthcare.com/downloads/pressbox_oakville_beaverpulse_1002.pdf   Heal of Southern Arizona MCS Hospital Access http://www.healsoaz.org/hospital_access.htm   Susan Molloy writes: The Tucson support group (Southern AZ HEAL) has put together a really good hospital access packet for the chemically sensitive. Ariel B. writes: We charge $6 for members and $9 for nonmembers, which doesn't do much more than cover costs... The request for a Hospital Packet and the money should come to my address (which is also the official HEAL of So AZ address): HEAL of Southern Arizona PO Box 36688 Tucson AZ 85740 Please specify one packet per customer. Folks can make extra copies if they want them. We have permission from all the various authors to reproduce their work. ...I am waiting to see what Kristi M. comes up with in the way of simplifying the packet and making it more user friendly. In the meantime, the present version is available for folks who hear about it and want it. Health & Safety - American Journal of Nursing - June, 2003 - Volume 103, Issue 6 "Scent of a Workplace- Fragrances are a major source of indoor air pollution. By Peggy Wolff, MS, APRN, HNC "Q. One of my colleagues wears such strong perfume that it triggers my asthma. How can I encourage my colleagues to avoid using fragrances in the health care workplace? ... First you have to have a human resources manager that demonstrates perspicaciousness; one willing to look beyond industry hype that its products and their ingredients are "safe and wholesome." Then the HR manager establishes an educational program on cleaner air, which starts with leaving the perfumed products at home for one's own enjoyment among consenting adults. -- barb http://www.nursingworld.org/AJN/2003/june/health.htm   Health Care Without Harm http://www.noharm.org   Pesticides, Fragrances & Cleaners http://www.noharm.org/pesticidesCleaners/issue   Cleaners and Disinfectants http://www.noharm.org/pesticidesCleaners/CleanersDis Fragrances http://www.noharm.org/pesticidesCleaners/Fragrances   Healthier Hospitals - booklet By Toni Temple. Available for sale, including through EHN's Books for $8.50, including shipping, but not tax. http://ehnca.org/www/books/bookordr.htm Toni's website is down. It would be good for all hospitals to have a copy of this booklet and then to do their best to implement the suggestions . . . also enlarge the scope to cover pesticides and EMF (electromagnetic field) concerns. -- barb Hospitalization for the Chemically Sensitive Patient by Selene Anema, RN Website: Those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or Environmental Illness Build New Lives by Mary K http://www.citlink.net/~bhima/hospital.htm   How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY http://unix.adept.net/~mcsinfo/support.htm Kaiser - Oakland http://oakland.kaiser.org/   Kaiser Permanente Fragrance-free Workplace Policy "To help promote a healthier and more enjoyable work place, the management team and space committee have put together a department policy regarding the use of fragrant products. ..." STATEMENT OF POLICY "We recognize that exposure to strong scents and fragrances in the environment can cause discomfort, as well as directly impact the health of some individuals. Since we hope to support a healthful environment for employees, physicians, and visitors, it is the intent of Quality and Operations Support to strive for a fragrance-controlled workplace. Therefore, for the comfort and health of all, use of scents and fragrant products by QOS employees, other than minimally scented personal care products, is strongly discouraged. "APPLIES TO: "All employees ..." Well, this is a bit of a crock, based on my personal experiences, including Nov. 2004. Believe me, I've tried to track this down and the number of Kaiser people who don't know about it is really something. The other response I've gotten time and again, is "OH, we have a fragrance-free policy, we're not to wear more than a modicum of scent." Let me assure you, I've assured the individuals in the Patient Services section that there is no such thing as a fragrance-free policy in which a modicum of scent is allowed. When one chooses to use mainstream industry's petrochemical-derived fragrances, one pollutes not only their body, but the bodies of others because they pollute the air for all. And, in update, I will definitely add my assault by perfume experience in nephrolgy/Pulmonary department of the main Oakland Kaiser hospital on July 26, 2005. 3/2/2006: I've not been back to that killer department since. But, I highly praise my internist and my GYN for doing everything in their power to accommodate my needs; to give me access. -- barb http://www.internalmemos.com/memos/memodetails.php?memo_id=2361   Kaiser - Oakland's Allergy/Dermatology Department (Calif.) Sign on door -- "Please use discretion and avoid wearing scented products, perfume or smoking right before coming to the Allergy Department. Many of our patients are very sensitive to scented products, perfumes and smoke. Thank you for your cooperation." [Fall 1998, barb] Note: December 5, 2001 . . . Just for curiosity's sake, I opened the door of Dermatology -- the very door with the above language on it -- and got hit by a mixture of scents. Who is kidding whom? At what point do we start thinking dereliction of duty? Frankly, I'm passed that point! What about others? IF you are a Kaiser patient, please join us in requesting fragrance-free air. -- barb Kaiser Oakland Appointment Confirmation cards --for many of their departments -- carry wording such as: "Please do not wear perfume or strong scents to your appointment." That's a start . . . Now, if we could just get Kaiser to see the logic in having their staff -- health and administrative -- to be scent-free. And while I'm dreaming, I may as well throw in the concept of not using air "fresheners" and scented cleaning and maintenance products, including moving toward non to least-toxic pest control practices. By the way, did you know that disinfectants were classified as pesticides? They are! And no pesticide ever kills all of the pests . . . but they do a wonderful job of creating more resistant pests, which means the industry gets to create more pesticides. Talk about self-fulfilling! -- barb   American 'Beauty' A march through time with what was known when about fragrances Compiled and written by Barb Wilkie, June 2004 (hopefully coming before my prophesied "check out" as the nephrologist put it. He further asked if I knew what he meant. I responded with DROP DEAD! I figure that covers all the bases. November 2004 . . . Coming sometime summer of 2005, if all goes well. -- . . . And, as if I put a curse on myself with that hopeful thought, all didn't go well. I was marked with time by a nephrologist who proclaimed I'd be on diaylysis or have a kidney transplant -- NO! -- or "check out" in a year. I saw him on July 26, 2005 and I've not been back. For starters, that entire section at Kaiser Oakland was heavily perfumed and that is shared space with pulmonary! Secondly, the doctor offered no hope. I've since learned of a Dr. Mackenzie Walser of Johns Hopkins, who has published a book and has a website -- http://www.copingwithkidneydisease.com/ -- and he feels that one can arrest the progression of kidney failure through diet and supplements. You may follow my journey by visiting Kidney Disease on EHN's page K. 3/06 still working. http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/k.htm#Kidney Dr. Ann McCampbell writes: Recommended Approach to Care of Hospitalized Patients With Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/amcchosp.htm MCS Hospital Access HEAL of Southern Arizona http://www.healsoaz.org/hospital%20access.htm   MERCY MEDICAL CENTER PROCESS STANDARDS Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Protocol http://www.lassentech.com/eimcspro.html   Nursing Spectrum -- Career Fitness Online " ... Go easy on the perfume and cologne. You will eventually come in contact with patients and coworkers who are highly allergic or who have respiratory difficulties. Don¼t be responsible for inducing an asthma attack because you¼ve overdone it on the cologne. Some work environments prohibit the use of scented products due to the increasing number of people who are scent-sensitive. http://www.nursingspectrum.com/StudentsCorner/StudentFeatures/NewGrad_stk04.htm   OHS Canada - Canada's Occupational Health and Safety Magazine "No Scents Is Good Sense" Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII HSC) in Halifax, N.S From the January/February, 1998, issue of OHS Canada By Brenda Marsh This is a HOW - TO that is worth reading. -- barb http://www.ohscanada.com/virtual-issue/artucle/health.html   Perfumes and Asthma - don¼t mix Cited information with links from Anderson Laboratories. Print out and share! -- barb http://www.andersonlaboratories.com/alweb30.htm   Posters "No scents is good sense" http://www.yorku.ca/dohs/doc/Guidelines/ScentedProducts/skunk.htm In PDF - http://www.yorku.ca/dohs/doc/Guidelines/ScentedProducts/skunk.pdf   "Wake up and smell the coffee" http://www.yorku.ca/dohs/doc/Guidelines/ScentedProducts/coffee.htm In PDF - http://www.yorku.ca/dohs/doc/Guidelines/ScentedProducts/coffee.pdf   THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE "Scent-Sensitive Nurse Sues LDS" BY MICHAEL VIGH; Tuesday, October 15, 2002 "LDS Hospital nurse Susan Bell says she suffered for more than a year from daily headaches, eye irritation, swelling of her face and lips and other symptoms because her co-workers doused themselves in perfume or cologne. "Bell, 57, says she became the office laughingstock for supervisors and colleagues, some of whom continued to bathe in their perfumes even after she told them it made her sick. She worked at the hospital for more than a decade before she took a disability leave in March 2001. "Last week, the Eagle Mountain woman filed a lawsuit against the hospital in U.S. District Court, claiming supervisors failed to adequately accommodate her and enforce their own policy prohibiting the wearing of heavy perfumes. "I have allergic and severe reactions to fragrances and paints," Bell said in a statement to the Utah Labor Commission's anti-discrimination division. "I complained to my supervisors . . . and they promised to fix the problem, yet no action was taken and every day I was sick at work.' ... " ... Annette Green, [former] executive director of the Fragrance Foundation in New York, has said the restrictions are much ado about nothing, arguing perfume does not pollute the air and does not contain carcinogens, as cigarettes do." [Emphasis added as I wonder, who is kidding whom? Analyses prove Green WRONG! -- barb] http://www.sltrib.com/2002/oct/10152002/utah/7273.htm Therapy Dogs of Vermont Winter 2004 newsletter -- a PDF file "Just a ReminderãBe „Scent-Sensitive!" By Diane Prokocimer There are many people who experience unpleasant physical effects from scented products! Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty with concentration and allergy-like symptoms have been reported after exposure to perfumes and other chemical scents. A recent University of Texas Health Sciences Center study indicates that 15% to 30% of the general population report some sensitivity to chemicals, including fragrances! Fragrances can enter the body through the nose by inhalation, the mouth by ingestion, or the skin by absorption. Many fragrances consist of volatile organic compounds, which are known to be respiratory irritants. Out of consideration to our patients, fellow staff, and visitors, we encourage volunteers to be fragrance-free. Please do not wear perfume or other fragrances while volunteering. Let¼s all be "Scent Sensitive!" Excellent advice . . . THANKS! The animals should also be free of scented products. -- barb http://www.therapydogs.org/win_2004.pdf   UCSF's Disabilities Interest Group (D I G "[IAQ Policy] Rationale: The number of people with chemical sensitivities is rapidly increasing in the context of increased manufacture and use of synthetic chemicals, air-tight energy efficient buildings, synthetic building materials, pesticides, and the use of fragrances in everything from toilet paper to clothing. ..." http://www.ucsf.edu/dig/   Draft IAQ Policy http://www.ucsf.edu/dig/Draft%20indoor%20air%202.doc Can also be viewed in HTML via Google at http://216.239.53.104/search?q=cache:ReUYq2jHyiUJ:www.ucsf.edu/dig/Draft%2520indoor%2520air%25202.doc+UCSF+indoor+air&hl=en&ie=UTF-8   Honors from Disabilities Interest Group First Appeared Monday, 15 December '03 " The School of Nursing, represented by dean Kathy Dracup, was appreciated for longstanding efforts to educate faculty about disability issues, advocate for accessibility, and particularly for its five-year-old voluntary fragrance-free policy." [Emphasis added.] http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/news.php?news_id=200312119 or print: http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/print.php?news_id=200312119   THE BAD NEWS (GOOD NEWS, above): October News - The End of Special Education? Private Schools at Public Expense By Brent Staples; The Council for Disability Rights Newsletter Scroll down for: DOJ Policy Letters This is BAD news for those already living with asthma and other respiratory illnesses, migraines, cancers . . . and for the already chemically injured. I'd like to see DOJ revisit this ruling, now that they know that fragrances aren't just flower petals and alcohol (and even if they were, the alcohol presents problems too!). -- barb Employee Use of Fragrances Medical care facilities may be subject to either Title II or III or the ADA. But does this mean that they must require employees to refrain from wearing fragrances when they are providing services to persons with multiple chemical sensitivities? Probably not, responded the Justice Department. Although Titles II and III require covered entities to make reasonable modifications, the use of fragrances by employees is usually a matter of personal choice by employees; and it would not be "reasonable," in most cases, to require an employer to regulate the use of fragrances by employees. Woodatch, 8 NDLR ? 214 (DOJ 1995) http://www.disabilityrights.org/1096.htm   Mr. Wodatch wrote in 1995: (http://www.usdoj.gov:80/crt/foia/tal605.txt) "In most circumstances, it would not be 'reasonable' to require an employer to regulate such personal choices by its employees." And that was in response to a person asking if the "ADA would require medical care providers to require their employees to refrain from wearing fragrances when they are providing services to a person who has multiple chemical sensitivities." Good grief. Common sense, or the Precautionary Principle, should dictate that fragrance products have no place in a doctor's office or any other type of healthcare facility. I feel this opinion is based on the stultifying informaton provided by the chemical industry and its apologists, not upon any science. Science, which to be sure is in short supply, is nonetheless available . . . IF one digs. (As evidenced by the information available on this site, EHN's, and that of Betty Bridges, RN, http://www.fpinva.org. Check the FDA Petition analyses for a start! EHN - http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm or FPIN - http://www.fpinva.org/petition99P1340.htm.) -- barb The volatilizing chemicals can cause a wide variety of reactions that can cause serious and even life-threatening adverse events for patients. We should have a right to be safe in a health care facility, for goodness sakes. I feel this ruling by the DOJ has done more harm than they can imagine. Certainly, this ruling has done nothing to quell the "unexplained" rising rates of asthma, cancers, ADD, ADHD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MCS, etc. Imagine the joy of any employer who doesn't want to deal with the often quite vocal complaints from employees who want to wear and use their synthetically scented products in the workplace. I saw the glee in the faces of my own workplace management staff -- government agency -- when this very ruling was used against me in my request for fragrance-free accommodation. Like so many others, I had to leave gainful employment and I job I had loved, despite my years of trying to educate them on the subject of the polluting capabilities of modern petrochemical-derived fragrances. Many people claim it is their cultural right to wear and use fragrance products -- without realizing that their culture is targeted for sales by the unregulated fragrance industry. Alas, members of these cultural groups wind up in category of high statistics of "unexplained" cases of asthma, high blood pressure and breast cancers. Unfortunately, Mr. Wodatch's ruling puts the onus on the person trying to work in cleaner, safer, fragrance-free air. We, the chemically injured, living with the disability that cannot say its name aloud, become the UNreasonable one. And, we get fired, not hired, or we are forced to retire. Knowing what we now know about synthetic fragrances, it seems to me -- I am not a lawyer -- that it is VERY REASONABLE to require an employer to regulate such personal choices of its employees. Employers already regulate attire, the hours one works, when one eats lunch, where one works, how one works, etc. And, employers regulate smoking, which is a personal choice activity where the toxins not only fill the lungs of the user, but also leaves the user- - just as do synthetic chemnical scents -- to affect the air for all, regardless of underlying health conditions, including pregnancy. Personally, I cannot imagine how modern synthetic chemical fragrances can be dismissed as a "personal choice by employees." ESPECIALLY in a healthcare setting. These modern synthetic scents in perfume, cosmetics and personal care products, as well as those gratuitously added to cleaning and maintenance products, including pesticides (disinfectants are classified as pesticides), and fragrance-emitting devices, are acknowledged by the National Institute of Environmental Health Services as Common Indoor Air Pollutants. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/faq/indoor.htm What place do these superfluous toxins have being used by anyone in a healthcare facility? It is to healthcare facilities that one goes because one needs health care, which could include pregnancy; respiratory distress such as asthma, sinusitis, rhynitis, laryngitis; cancers; Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, headaches or other central nervous system disorders, or a proclivity toward high ... or too low ... blood pressure (my blood pressure spikes in response to synthetic fragrances, a friend's blood pressure drops precipitously and neither reaction is good) and subsequent heart problems. It was not all that long ago that nurses' handbooks contained the information that they should NOT wear scented products to work. Friends who were nurses, and one of my daughters, a PT, have given me that information. When, Why, How did that bit of logic change? My belief is that common sense about no fragrances in healthcare settings went out the window when all the advertising and all the additional scented products came in. If you all feel as strongly as I do, please take the time to write the DOJ about your lack of accommodation, the harm this ruling has done to you in your healthcare setting, job or school. Write! The DOJ and Mr. Wodatch have ignored me. Time for tons of letters, folks. WE have to work together to make a change. To see the ruling by Mr. Wodatch, visit the Department of Justice (DOJ) online. -- barb http://www.usdoj.gov:80/crt/foia/tal605.txt E-mails to the Department of Justice, including the Attorney General, may be sent to AskDOJ@usdoj.gov. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services John L. Wodatch, Director, Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act, Civil Rights Division EFFECTIVE DATE: January 26, 1992 Excerpted by barb: "... Many commenters asked that environmental illness (also known as multiple chemical sensitivity) as well as allergy to cigarette smoke be recognized as disabilities. The Department, however, declines to state categorically that these the determination as to whether an impairment is a disability depends on whether, given the particular circumstances at issue, the impairment substantially limits one or more major life activities (or has a history of, or is regarded as having such an effect). "Sometimes respiratory or neurological functioning is so severely affected that an individual will satisfy the requirements to be considered disabled under the regulation. Such an individual would be entitled to all of the protections afforded by the Act and this part. In other cases, individuals may be sensitive to environmental elements or to smoke but their sensitivity will not rise to the level needed to constitute a disability. For example, their major life activity of breathing may be somewhat, but not substantially, impaired. In such circumstances, the individuals are not disabled and arex not entitled to the protections of the statute despite their sensitivity tox environmental agents. "In sum, the determination as to whether allergies to cigarette smoke, or allergies or sensitivities characterized by the commenters as environmental illness are disabilities covered by the regulation must be made using the same case-by-case analysis that is applied to all other physical or mental impairments. Moreover, the addition of specific regulatory provisions relating to environmental illness in the final rule would be inappropriate at this time pending future consideration of the issue by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Labor. ..." http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/reg2.html   And another two bits' worth by barb: Case-by-case basis is a crock! At least from my personal experience. For instance, pesticide poisoning often happens without knowledge. How many people are aware of their workplaces pesticiding schedule? And, often, symptoms associated with exposure to our modern unwittingly used consumer toxins are insidious. Mainstream medical doctors have not been astute enough to recognize poisoning by pesticides, let alone, by synthetic scent. And, often without some grossly obvious application of pesticide or fragrance, one doesn't realize why one has a headache, one's asthma kicked in, one doesn't feel up to par. But there's another facet to chemical injury. Our reactions are often delayed, we may appear to be able to handle a chemical assualt without too many apparently disabling effects -- although, some of us have worked through the quiet ones like headache, sinus pain. (If I didn't go into my heavy and dramatic coughing, folks thought I was fine.) It was hours later, after the advent of swelling in the lungs and the production of mucous, that I'd go into an even more serious asthmatic response. Folks, BREATHING IS A MAJOR LIFE ACTIVITY. We are wonderfully out of sight of the individuals who wore the synthetic scents, sprayed the synthetic scent at our doors, sprayed the synthetic scent around our desk, used pesticides instead of least toxic means of controling pests, used air "fresheners," . . . And then our medical and government experts can round up the usual suspects: cats, cockroaches, dust mites. Or . . . we suffer brain fog. Anyone trying to remain gainfully employed will also try desperately to hide those symptoms. I've seen the same behavior pattern in early Alzheimers cases. I , for one, know when I am suffering brain fog. I also have fairly well-honed coping skills, which I've used. In my case, mercifully, when the brain hasn't kicked into gear with one task, I've changed gears and it has seemingly worked with another type. For example, I cannot sort. That means putting together pieces of a newsletter, alphabatizing or dealing with numbers. But I think I can write, so I write. Secondly, my former workplace could play both sides of that "on a case-by-case basis" against the middle ... and I, sure as all get out, was in the middle. I can't tell you the number of times I heard the "Barb, you are the only one," played out to best suit their interest, not my accommodation. For the most part, I accommodated my employer, which is how I stayed employed as long as I did. I can well imagine that of million of others. We've liked our jobs, we've been outstanding employees, we tried to prevent the decline of our health by seeking relatively minor accommodations. But as we are seen as the UNreasonable one -- remember it's not reasonable to ask employees to refrain from wearing scented products -- our health was ruined. Ruined by the synthetically scented products (including pesticides) used in the modern workplace for personal care and cleaning and maintenance ... both household and janitorial. And for those who wonder about household products, let me assure you that many clothes laundered with highly-scented detergents and fabric softeners can outgas in the workplace, adding to the other polluting VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which synthetic fragrances most definitely are. And once our toxic thresholds have been lowered, we can be affected by repeated painting, new carpets, new adhesives, newly oiled shelfing installed before outgassing, whiteboard cleaners (that killed fish) etc. Clear the air. Clear the air of rulings such as that 1995 DO,J ruling and clear the air of synthetic fragrance products in public venues . . . especially healthcare facilities! Millions of us in the U.S. -- and millions more worldwide -- are already suffering the effects of chemical assualt. Our doctors do not recognize the symptoms of chemical poisoning and our government agencies are complicit in the continued unregulated manufacture of these products.   The public cannot base its purchasing decision on truth, for there is no real truth in industry advertising and public relations campaigns. Heavens, even trying to buy a product labeled "unscented" or "fragrance-free" is problematic, for products are allowed to carry that misleading information while still carrying synthetic scents used to mask other chemical odors. See FDA's: " * fragrance-free - products so labeled may still contain small amounts of fragrances to mask the fatty odor of soap or other unpleasant odors" http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-safe.html To glimpse truth about the chemicals used to create synthetic scents, visit the FDA Petition's Analyses http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm#Analyses and Product label at http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/eterbkpg.htm -- barb   Housing Safe housing is absolutely critical for the already chemically injured. What I'd like to see is a concerted effort by the building industry to use safer products from the ground up. One can also plan the landscape to avoid using toxic chemicals in pesticides. There are lower-emitting VOC (volatile organic compounds) products such as paint, carpets and adhesives. There are safer ways to install wiring so one isn't as likely to be subjected to electromagnetic fields. I truly do not understand why reputable contractors don't seek safer products with which to build and/or rehabilitate homes. There are just far too many people now living with chemical injury to continue business as usual. We can make changes that will be better for the already ill, as well as to help prevent illness in untold others . . . including our pets and the fish and wildlife downstream. NOW is the hour!-- barb How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html   Ecology House, San Rafael, California HUD -Access and accommodation http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/e.htm#House Also see EHN's section on Housing http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/h.htm#Housing   Law / Court cases / DOJ rulings Also see EHN's General Links, page L / Law   I've a question, Why, when it comes to MCS, harassment seems only to be spelled sexualharassment? Next a thought: American Heritage Dictionary defines NUISANCE as: "2. Law. A use of property or course of conduct that interferes with the legal rights of others by causing damage, annoyance, or inconvenience." Perfume and perfumed products, certainly cause damage to health; are damned annoying to those not yet seriously sensitized by those petrochemical pollutants but who simply do not enjoy the perfume emenating from another; and, and I assure one and all that to suddenly experience anaphylactic shock, an asthmatic attack, a migraine, ataxia, "brain fog," rhinitis, sinusitis, ear ache, laryngitis, hives, rashes, acne, burning and itching skin, etc., or several of the above, is deplorably inconvenient. -- barb Also see EHN's section Assaulted by fragrance http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/a.htm#Assaulted   How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html   ADA Law References through JAN (Job Accommodation Network) http://www.jan.wvu.edu/links/adalinks.htm   Alexander Law Firm http://www.alexanderlaw.com/index.html "The Consumer Law Page" is a trademark of The Alexander Law Firm and Alexander, Hawes & Audet, LLP. Chemically Induced Diseases: Synergistic Effects and Cumulative Injuries caused by Toxic Chemicals -- Understanding the Gulf War Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity [MCS] By Richard Alexander http://consumerlawpage.com/article/gulfwar.shtml   DIOXIN IN PENTACHLOROPHENOL: A CASE STUDY OF CANCER DEATHS IN THE LUMBER INDUSTRY By Richard Alexander http://consumerlawpage.com/article/lumber.shtml   Litigating Preemption Issues After Medtronic v. Lohr By Brian Wolfman & Allison Zieve Public Citizen Litigation Group Copyright 1996, Public Citizen, Inc. "... A. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act "... Second, like many MDA requirements, the requirements of FIFRA are general and ongoing. For example, if a pesticide manufacturer knows or should know of an environmental risk posed by its product, the manufacturer is required to revise its labeling to reflect that risk. Thus, if a plaintiff claims that his or her land was damaged by a pesticide and that the risk of damage should have been disclosed on the product¼s label, the complaint should allege that the defendant negligently failed under state law to comply with duties imposed under FIFRA. In many cases, the common-law duties on which the plaintiff¼s allegations are based will mimic the defendant¼s duties under FIFRA, which places the burden of product testing, identification of product risks, and hazard labeling on the manufacturer. http://consumerlawpage.com/article/medtron.shtml#Products   Book Review: Neuropsychological Toxicology Review by Richard Alexander "Neuropsychological Toxicology: Identification and Assessment of Numan Neurotoxic Syndromes. Second Edition. 525 pp. by David E. Hartman. Published by Plenum Press, New York, (212-620-8000) $59.50 ISBN 0-306-44922-6. Chapters: Introduction, Evaluation of Neurotoxic Syndromes, Metals, Solvents, Alcohol,Drugs, Pesticides, Other Neurotoxins, Psychosomatic Disorders, Forensic and Private Practice Issues, References, Index In the area of toxic tort litigation, this is a significant reference tool and is strongly recommended as a "must have" for your library. Written by a Chicago neuropsychologist who is a nationally-known clinical expert on human toxic exposure effects, Neuropsychological Toxicology is "the" comprehensive reference for attorneys, neuropsychologists, physicians, toxicologists and advocates who need information about diagnosing the effects of toxic brain injury. If Dr. Hartman's groundbreaking book can be summarized in three points it is that (1) many workplace chemicals and commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals cause brain injury and nervous system damage (2) millions of adults and children are exposed to these substances at work or at home and (3) the resulting "neurotoxic" damage is a special clinical problem that requires a specialized approach in both diagnosis and litigation. ..." http://consumerlawpage.com/article/neuro.shtml   From Rachel's -- Environment & Health Weekly, October 19, 1995 Search this site for a wealth of information, then support their efforts! -- barb http://www.rachel.org Brought to you by The Consumer Law Page Corporate Manipulation of Scientific Evidence Linking Chemical Exposures to Human Disease: A Case in Point -- Cigarette Science at Johns Hopkins I cannot emphasize this enough . . . READ THIS! -- barb http://consumerlawpage.com/article/chemical.shtml   Toxic Chemicals A page of helpful links. -- barb http://consumerlawpage.com/resource/toxicr.shtml   Awarded Total Permanent Disability due to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity http://askwaltstollmd.com/archives/mcs/26141.html   Davis v. Utah State Tax Common Labor & Employment UPDATE - latest issues Brobeck - Attorneys at Law http://www.brobeck.com/laborupdate Employee with a Heightened Sensitivity to Strong Fragrances May Be Disabled Under the ADA - August 2000 This link changes periodically. Found it under Issue Alerts Arichive, August 2000 -- barb http://www.brobeck.com/publications/issues_individual.asp?newsItem=AIA2#3   STATE OF LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, FIRST CIRCUIT - NO. 99 CA 2115 * * * * * * * * * * WILBERT BAZERT VERSUS STATE OF LOUISIANA, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS, LOUISIANA STATE PENITENTIARY, STATE OF LOUISIANA JUDGMENT RENDERED: September 22, 2000 The finder wrote: "It's a Louisiana Appeals CourtÝcase where an individual with asthma and sensitivities to fragrances and chemicals was determined to be "substantially limited in the major life activity of breathing and was a qualified individual withÝa disability under the ADA." (TheÝSupreme Court of Louisiana denied the appeal to hear the case,Ýaffirming the Appeals Court ruling!)ÝThis is significant because courts haveÝoverwhelming determined that individuals with asthma and/or chemical sensitivities are not substantially limitedÝ(or limited "enough" to be considered disabled under the ADA)." Folks, this is a PDF file. Download Adobe Acrobat to open it. -- barb http://www.la-fcca.org/Opinions/Pub2000/Sept2000/99CA2115.SEPT.00.pdf   DOJ Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services AGENCY: Department of Justice; EFFECTIVE DATE: January 26, 1992. "...Sometimes respiratory or neurological functioning is so severely affected that an individual will satisfy the requirements to be considered disabled under the regulation. Such an individual would be entitled to all of the protections afforded by the Act and this part. In other cases, individuals may be sensitive to environmental elements or to smoke but their sensitivity will not rise to the level needed to constitute a disability. For example, their major life activity of breathing may be somewhat, but not substantially, impaired. In such circumstances, the individuals are not disabled and are not entitled to the protections of the statute despite their sensitivity to environmental agents. "In sum, the determination as to whether allergies to cigarette smoke, or allergies or sensitivities characterized by the commenters as environmental illness are disabilities covered by the regulation must be made using the same case-by-case analysis that is applied to all other physical or mental impairments. Moreover, the addition of specific regulatory provisions relating to environmental illness in the final rule would be inappropriate at this time pending future consideration of the issue by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Labor. ..." http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/reg2.html   FOIA - 01-03624 (FOIA - Freedom of Information Act) Letter by John L. Wodatch, Chief, Public Access Section, regarding the use of fragrances by healthcare staff, in which he states: "Use of fragrances is usually a matter of personal choice by individual employees, rather than a business or employment policy. In most circumstances, it would not be "reasonable" to require an employer to regulate such personal choices by its employees. THIS is the ruling used against me in my former workplace. One's "personal choice" to wear and use synthetic petrochemical products -- FRAGRANCES -- pollutes the air for all regardless of underlying health conditions, including pregnancy. How can the volatilizing chemicals that are recognized "Common Indoor Air Pollutants" by NIEHS, be considered an issue of 'PERSONAL CHOICE"? As soon as you pollute the air for everyone, you've left the concept of PERSONAL in your toxic, noxious waste trail. In my opinion. -- barb http://www.usdoj.gov:80/crt/foia/tal605.txt Also at http://www.usdoj.gov:80/crt/foia/cltr159.txt   EEOC - Fragrance Illness Accommodation - Roberts v. U.S. DOT http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/eroberts.htm   New Workplace Accommodation Challenges for the 21st Century Presented by Mandy J. Gamble, MS, CRC & Tracie D. Sabb, MS Human Factors Consultants; Job Accommodation Network A Service of U.S. DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy This is a great page of information, but for those of us living with the disabiling effects of fragrance sensitization, use your Find Command to drop right to their section on Fragrance Sensitivity. -- barb http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:gm5j_kCCFjkJ:janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc+EEOC+and+fragrance+accommodation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 or http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc or how I found it . . . http://216.239.51.100/search?q=cache:gm5j_kCCFjkJ:janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc+EEOC+and+fragrance+accommodation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8   Scent Sensitive Nurse Sues LDS By Michael Vigh; The Salt Lake Tribune "LDS Hospital nurse Susan Bell says she suffered for more than a year from daily headaches, eye irritation, swelling of her face and lips and other symptoms because her co-workers doused themselves in perfume or cologne. Bell, 57, says she became the office laughingstock for supervisors and colleagues, some of whom continued to bathe in their perfumes even after she told them it made her sick. She worked at the hospital for more than a decade before she took a disability leave in March 2001. ..." http://www.sltrib.com/2002/oct/10152002/utah/7273.htm   SNIFF - Safe Notification and Information for Fragrances Act "107th CONGRESS - 1st Session - H. R. 1947 To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that fragrances containing known toxic substances or allergens be labeled accordingly. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 22, 2001 - Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (for herself, and Ms. BERKLEY) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that fragrances containing known toxic substances or allergens be labeled accordingly. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. ... Go to Thomas, enter 'hr 1947' without quotes, and click search. -- barb http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.html   Worker Sensitive to Perfume, Hand Lotion Can Proceed with ADA Claim, Court Rules From BNA Daily Labor Report http://web.archive.org/web/20020607071609/http://www.shrm.org/hrnews/articles/default.asp?page=bna0517c.htm   Lawns American PIE (Public Information on the Environment) Safe to Play On signs http://www.americanpie.org   Are children at greater risk from pesticide poisoning than adults? (You decide) http://www.safe2use.com/data/kids.htm   Canaries - NO ACCEPTABLE RISK - Campaign Linda McElvers http://www.noacceptablerisk.com/   EISC/SCSE -- Environmental Illness Society of Canada La sociÈtÈ canadienne pour les sensibilitÈs environnementales http://www.eisc.ca/books.htm#16   Healthy Lawn Care for Healthy Communities Vermont PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) http://www.vpirg.org/campaigns/environmentalHealth/pesticideFreeLawn.html   Marin Beyond Pesticides (MBP) http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mbplabug.htm   Pesticide Free Naturally - A campaign to reduce the cosmetic use of pesticides. Green Communities http://www.gca.ca/pesticides.htm   Tips For Healthy Pesticide-Free Lawns'n'Gardens CAPs (Canadians Against Pesticides) http://www.caps.20m.com/tips.htm   MCS Proclamations Oct. 2002 -- I cannot believe two years have flown by, since I last put effort into this section, but they have. If you know of cities or states that I haven't listed, as well as those that have their proclamations up on websites, please inform me of the links. Logs are also availabloe from: North Carolina Chemical Injury Network http://www.rtk.net/ncci/NCCIMCSAwareness.htm Before going further with the proclamations, maybe it's a good idea for all to read: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A 1999 Consensus http://heldref.org/html/Consensus.html 2004 - Florida: May 7-13, 2004 Missouri: May 9-15, 2004   I'll add to this list as I learn of states that recognize toxic injury/MCS. You can help by keeping me informed. E-mail: Thanks. -- barb 2003 - If you know of any MCS Awareness Week Proclamations for 2003, please contact me at 2000 - MCS Awareness Proclamations 1998 - 2000 Brought to you by theNational Coalition for the Chemically Injured (NCCI) http://www.rtknet.org/ncci/NCCIMCSAwareness.htm Connecticut Florida Illinois Kentucky Massachusetts Michigan     Detroit (Mayor)     Ann Arbor (Mayor)     Livonia (Mayor) Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nevada New Hampshire New Mexico North Carolina Vermont Washington   1999 and 1998 Proclamations by state: Health & Environment Rescource Center http://www.herc.org/together/proclamations.htm#VT   Information by state, over time, as I've been able to collect . . . or upload. -- barb California Note, the gaps in information regarding the proclamations does not reflect any lag of interest, merely my yo-yo experiences with health (ups and downs depending upon exposures. Fabric softeners are the bane of my existance as they are for so many who live with the effects of chemical injury. Despite the fact that there are regulations regarding nuisances, there is no control from the powers that be. 2000 - Silence from Gov. Davis about MCS Awareness Week Fall 2002 - I did not pursue MCS Proclamation in 2002. September 2002 - Gov. Davis signed an important bill, which was authored by Assembly Pro Tem, Keeley. This is not only an acknowledgement of the need for cleaner idoor air, but sets up a process by which we just might get it. -- barb From The Capitol Report from the American Lung Association of CA Date: 01 Oct 2002 22:51:35 -0000 Indoor Air Quality ALAC-sponsored AB 1173 (Keeley) requires the California Air Resources Board to write a report to the Legislature that analyzes the most important sources of indoor air pollution in schools, workplaces, homes and other locations and recommends measures for reducing public exposures and negative health impacts.   You can join ALA's Advocacy Network by filling out the form on: http://lungaction.org/AM_LUNG_CA/join.html?r=LdzLM411jP-_E     Connecticut -- 1998 - 2002 - Includes Guidelines and Sample Proclamation http://www.ECHOMCSCT.homestead.com/Proclamations.html Old link to Connecticut 2000 Proclamation http://members.aol.com/ECHOMCSCT/GovPro.home11.html   1998 - Mirrored on EHN's site http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/connproc.htm   Florida 2002 - Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Week . . . signed by Governor Jeb Bush http://www.NCchem.com/aware/fla2002.htm 2000 - Governor Jeb Bush Declares May 7-14 MCS Awareness Week http://www.ourlittleplace.com/proclamation.html Bradenton, Florida -- 1998 http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/bradfla.htm   Hawaii 2001 - Listed by ECHO; scroll down http://www.ECHOMCSCT.homestead.com/Proclamations.html Listed by North Carolina Chemical Injury Network http://www.NCchem.com//aware/2001_proclamations.htm 2000 - Senate recognition Reprinted by request on EHN's site http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/hawaii1.htm   Illinois 2001 http://www.NCchem.com/aware/illinois2001.htm Listed on ECHO for year 2001 and 1999, also http://www.ECHOMCSCT.homestead.com/Proclamations.html 1999 1999: I must simply enter the information -- Fall 2002 . . . now I've got to find it again! -- barb   Kansas 2002 - http://www.NCchem.com//mcskansas.htm 2002 - Listed by ECHO http://www.ECHOMCSCT.homestead.com/Proclamations.html 2001 - Listed by North Carolina Chemical Injury Network http://www.NCchem.com//aware/2001_proclamations.htm   Kentucky 1999 http://members.adept.net/~mcsinfo/proclamation.htm   Massachusetts 2000 - Listed by ECHO; scroll down http://www.ECHOMCSCT.homestead.com/Proclamations.html 1999 - http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/massproc.htm   Michigan 2001 - http://www.NCchem.com//aware/michmcs1001.htm 2000 - http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/mich00.htm   Mississippi 2002 - http://www.NCchem.com//aware/miss2002.htm 2001 - http://www.NCchem.com//aware/miss2001.htm 2001 and 2002 Listed by ECHO; scroll down http://www.ECHOMCSCT.homestead.com/Proclamations.html 2000 http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/mississ1.htm   Missouri 2002 - Listed by North Carolina Chemical Injury Network http://www.NCchem.com//aware/2002_proclamations.htm 2001 -Listed by North Carolina Chemical Injury Network http://www.NCchem.com//aware/2001_proclamations.htm 1998 http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/missouri.htm Missouri 1998, 1999 and 2001, listed by Echo http://www.ECHOMCSCT.homestead.com/Proclamations.html   Nevada November 1999 - http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/nevada1.htm   New Hampshire 2000 - Listed on ECHO; scroll down http://www.ECHOMCSCT.homestead.com/Proclamations.html   New Mexico 1998 - http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/newmex.htm 1998 and 1999 - Listed by ECHO; scroll down http://www.ECHOMCSCT.homestead.com/Proclamations.html   North Carolina 2002 - CFIDS - http://www.NCchem.com//aware/nccfids2002.htm   2002 - MCS - http://www.NCchem.com//aware/ncmcs2002.htm   2001 - http://www.NCchem.com//aware/ncmcs2001.htm   2000 - http://www.governor.state.nc.us/govoffice/citizen/Y2K/MAY/multchem.htm 1999 - http://www.governor.state.nc.us/govoffice/citizen/chemsens.htm 1998 - http://ncchem.com/mcs_awareness.htm   Ohio 2001 - http://www.NCchem.com//aware/ohio2001.htm   Vermont - Oct. 9, 1998 - Congressman Bernie Sanders read into the Congressional Record http://www.herc.org/together/proclamations.htm#VT   Washington 2002 - http://www.NCchem.com//Wash2002.htm 1999 - 2002 Listed by ECHO; scroll down http://www.ECHOMCSCT.homestead.com/Proclamations.html   2000 - Available as PDF format http://members.aol.com/wsmcsn/proclamation.html Text mirrored by EHN: http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/washst.htm 1998 - http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/proclamations/washproc.htm   -- end proclamations . . . Includes copies I've uploaded and links I have found -- Meeting Notices Also see: Cities / States, above Hospitals, above Schools, below Workplaces, below Better yet, just scroll through this document. You may see something you like under places of worship, states, dances, ... If you know of a meeting notice that you found to your liking, please share it with the rest of us. This page is here to help everyone gain the accommodation that was unavilable to me while I was still gainfully employed. -- barb Five items to read, then on to the wording for fragrance-free meeting notices: Frankly, I'm personally more concerened with the man-made, petrochemically derived COMBINATIONS of chemicals used to make modern fragrances (and their twin, flavors) that have been added to an ever larger array of products and advertised widely so more people use them 24/7, than I am with those made by Mother Nature. But, admittedly, I do not suffer common allergies -- which is something I've stated all along and had proved eventually by expensive tests. But, while these days, I can be around some essential oils -- distilled, not solvent extracted! -- I NEVER use scented anything, for who knows when I'll encounter someone allergic to even a scented oil? But while there is such a hue and cry about supplements and essential oils and government regulation, no one bothers to look at the flavors and fragrance industry, who along with Big Pharma has been growing out their bottom lines on the backs of the sickened public. Where are government standards for this poisoning industry? With the flavors and fragrance industry, there is no accounting to the FDA or any other government agency, their products are released to market without full substantiation of safety, the industry that makes our commonly used mainstream flavors and fragrances are favored by trade secret laws. That means that although other companyies can learn of the chemicals used in the manufacture of a flavor or fragrance through a process called reverse analysis, the general public, their doctors, our government agencies charged with protecting public health CANNOT. Not without expensive laboratory tests. And that, my friends, is what EHN's petition 99P-1340 is all about. Please write to the FDA at fdadockets@oc.fda.gov Tell the FDA about your adverse reactions to fragrances . . . either from products you personally have used, OR, from just breathing in those used by others. -- barb Fragrance: Emerging Health and Environmental Concerns Betty Bridges Flavour and Fragrance Journal Volume 17, Issue 5, 2002; pages 361-371 Published Online: 16 Apr 2002 http://www.fpinva.org/FragranceReview.htm   "Just a note, personally, if someone is pregnant, we would not use any Fragrance, Essential Oil or Aromatherapy items. It makes no difference if products come from mother nature (The greatest Perfumer of us all) or if they are synthetically produced, you're dealing with chemicals." The Good Scents Company http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/misc/safety.html   How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html Perfumes and Asthma - don¼t mix Cited information with links from Anderson Laboratories. Print it out and share! -- barb http://www.andersonlaboratories.com/alweb30.htm Or, feel free to print and distribute Barb's version (with blessings from J. Anderson,MD, PhD http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/donmix.htm   "When No Scents Makes Sense "Please remember to be aware of those people with asthma, allergies, and other lung conditions, whose health is adversely affected when they are exposed to scented products. You can help by not wearing such things as perfumes, colognes and aftershaves - to places like church services, Christmas parties, or other public gatherings. "If you would like to know more about scent-free or fragrance-free products available on PEI, please call our office for our pamphlet, or check out our website at www.pei.lung.ca." Be savy, for even on their scent-free page, they list a standard insect repellent and unscented, standard fabric softeners. Always winnow all information . . . even what I provide! -- barb http://www.pei.lung.ca/scentfree.html.] -----   Access Board Meetings "The Board's bylaws provide that Board meetings be held on the Wednesday following the second Tuesday of every other month. The meeting dates for future committee and Board meetings are listed below. The first day listed is a Monday in the event there is a need for a three-day Board meeting. Under its fragrance-free policy, the Board requests that all participants refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and other fragrances, and use unscented personal care products in order to promote a fragrance- free environment at its meetings and other public events. http://www.access-board.gov/about/boardmembers.htm ACCESS BOARD MEETING POLICY http://www.access-board.gov/news/fragrance-policy.htm   On July 26, 2000, the Access Board adopted the following policy: Federal Register notices announcing Board meetings will include the statement that: "Persons attending Board meetings are requested to refrain from using perfume, cologne, and other fragrances for the comfort of other participants." A sign will be posted outside Board meeting rooms reminding persons attending the meetings to refrain from using fragrances. Hotels and other facilities where Board meetings are held will be requested to remove or disconnect any fragrance emitting devices from the meeting rooms and adjoining restrooms, and not to schedule any remodeling activities (e.g., painting, wallpapering) or shampoo carpets or apply pesticides prior to Board meetings. Board Adopts Policy to Promote Fragrance-Free Environments http://www.access-board.gov/news/fragrance.htm   The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Public Health Service; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces: The International Congress on Hazardous Waste: Impact on Human and Ecological Health Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel; Atlanta, Georgia; June 5-8, 1995 " Fragrance Alert "Congress attendees are requested to be mindful of attendees with fragrance allergies." http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/cong95.html   Air & Waste Management Association http://www.awma.org/   Indoor Air Quality Problems and Engineering Solutions July 21-23, 2003 Preliminary Program Agenda TUESDAY, JULY 22 SESSION 3A: INDOOR POLLUTANT SOURCES Chair: Bruce A. Tichenor, Consultant ... Preliminary Program 8:40 Scented Products: An Overlooked Source of Indoor Air Pollution Betty Bridges, Fragranced Products Information Network 9:00 Air Fresheners as Indoor Sources Kenneth A. Krebs, U.S. EPA, ORD, NRMRL http://www.awma.org/events/confs/IAQ2003/agenda.asp or PDF file, in which you can read, on page 7: Advance Registration Form "Please do not wear cologne or other scented products (including scented hair spray, hand lotion, aftershave, etc.) while attending this event. Many fragrance chemicals can cause severe distress to attendees with respiratory sensitivity to such products. Thanks for helping A&WMA to ensure the comfort of all attendees." http://www.awma.org/events/confs/IAQ2003/IAQPreliminary2003.pdf   American Chemical Society "At an American Chemical Society meeting held in August 1998 in Boston, Massachusetts, attendees were asked not to wear fragrances due to the number of chemically sensitive people attending the meeting. " Source, Scents & Sensitivity;Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 106, December 12, 1998 http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/1998/106-12/focus.html   American Public Health Association (APHA) 131st Annual Meeting and Exposition November 15-19, 2003; San Francisco, California Chemical Sensitivity "The APHA Annual Meeting is a smoke-free event. Smoking is not permitted in any of the meeting rooms used for scientific sessions, business meetings or APHA sponsored social events. In addition, the Moscone Center is a smoke-free environment. Be aware however, that hotels do allow smoking in some public areas. Specific requests will be made to the hotels that chemicals not be used on the meeting room carpeting within 4 days of the commencement of our meeting and that only unscented products be used in guest rooms. In addition, APHA requests that its meeting attendees refrain from the use of perfumes, hair sprays and other chemicals, for the comfort and health of all our registrants. "Please note that Exhibit Hall carpeting will be laid out the night before the exhibits open, and because this is new carpeting, it may present problems for people with chemical sensitivities. NOTE: I've attended functions in Moscone Center and the new carpeting laid out always adversely affected my health. I should hope by now, safer products would be used.-- barb http://www.apha.org/meetings/access.htm#cs   ATSDR -The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces: The International Congress on Hazardous Waste: Impact on Human and Ecological Health Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia; June 5-8, 1995 In searching ATSDR site for "fragrance," the following is the only item that came up. -- barb " Fragrance Alert "Congress attendees are requested to be mindful of attendees with fragrance allergies." Notice that date, folks. 1995 And you'd think this agency would be interested in diseases caused by our modern scented products, but an exchange -- one of unsolicited snottines by one of ATSDR staff -- put me straight on that score. I was told ATSDR practices SOUND SCIENCE, not something like an analysis of several perfumes to see their chemical make-up and then learn how much is known about individula chemicals, as in the FDA Petition, 99P-1340. -- barb http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/cong95.html   1999 joint meeting including ATSDR & CDC The Health Impact of Chemical Exposures During the Gulf War: A research Planning Conference They say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." I say, Thank you, Peggy D. March 1999 Folks, that's the ATSDR, which is the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry AND the CDC -- the agency that always leaves out its most important initial, P -- CDC really stands for the Centers for Disease Control and PREVENTION. These are a couple of our government agencies who, in my personal opinion, have done their level best to really screw up the lives of those living with MCS . . . the disability that cannot say its name out loud. -- barb Bioneers 2002 Under, "Helpful Information," page 10: "Fragrances: In deference to the sensitivity of those around you, we ask that you please refrain from wearing perfumes, aftershaves, and other strongly scented fragrances." Alas, this helpful information doesn't appear on their website in 2004. I'll look for it in my registration materials when they arrive. -- barb http://www.bioneers.org Build it Green Alameda and Contra Costa counties, California http://www.builditgreen.org/   Build It Green Home Tour -- June 4, 2006 "PERFUMES: "DO NOT wear fragrances and scented products for the health and comfort for all tour participants." Excellent advice for wherever you go, whatever you do! Thank you BUILD IT GREEN! -- barb   California Department of Food & Agriculture Pierce's Disease (Glassy-winged Sharpshooter) Control Program Meeting Announcements PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE PIERCE'S DISEASE PROGRAM REGULATIONS Date and Location: January 21, 2003 Sacramento County Department of Agriculture 4137 Branch Center Road Sacramento, California Time: Prehearing regististration: 9 to 10 am Hearing begins at 10 am Hearing ends at 3:30 pm or when there are no persons present who wish to speak (whichever is earlier) Contact: Stephen Brown (916) 654-1017 Note: In consideration of others, meeting attendees are requested to refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or other scented personal care products. Thanks, Linda McElver, President Canaries Foundation, Inc. noacceptablerisk.com/.-- barb http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/pdcp/gwTFMeet.htm   Chicago Area's CFCCC Groups Quoted from CFCCC 's Spring 2005 meeting announcement. -- barb "No scents makes sense! ":Many members are chemically sensitive and suffer when exposed to scented products. As a precaution, please avoid wearing to meetings: perfume, hair spray, after-shave, deodorant or other cosmetics, clothing with lingering tobacco [perfume! (bw)] or laundry detergent/softener/bleach smells, recent dry-cleaning, new leather items or other scented products. Even unscented detergents make sensitive people feel ill. "The safest: unscented Twenty Mule Borax, unscented Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (other Arm & Hammer products may contain fragrance), Allens Naturally or plain baking soda. "We are fortunate to have such a considerate group! Thank you! We look forward to seeing you!"   CleanMed CleanMed 2002 will be held on 25 - 26 October 2002 at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza Fragrance-Free Event "For the health and comfort of conference participants please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, aftershave, and scented skin or hair products. http://www.cleanmed.org/2002/overview.html   See Cities / States above gender BLUR "So that everyone can be comfortable, please do not wear cologne, perfume, or other scented products. " http://www.genderblur.org/about_no_scent.html   Generic notices -- Examples of requests for fragrance-free public venues: So we may be fully accessible to all people with disabilities, please do not use or wear scented products such as perfume, aftershave, deodorant, lotion, scented hair care products, or clothing that was recently dry-cleaned or laundered with fabric softeners. Et cetera. Our facilities are wheelchair accessible. Materials in alternate formats and assistive listening devices are available upon request.   Please refrain from wearing scented products as there may be attendees susceptible to environmental illnesses.   To accommodate meeting participant(s) with severe reactions to fragrances, we respectfully request that members of the public refrain from wearing cologne/perfume, etc   Please do not wear perfume or strong scents to your appointment.   We request that all participants refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and other fragrances, and use unscented personal care products in order to promote a fragrance-free environment.   This is a fragrance free zone.   This meeting is fragrance free.   This meeting is fragrance free for everyone's comfort.   Please remember that this is a fragrance free meeting.   Thank you for making this a fragrance free meeting.   Please leave your scented products at home to use for your own enjoyment.   Rosedale/Grandmont Baseball League of Detroit Policy regarding smoking and wearing of fragrances Fragrance And Chemical Sensitivity Support Group "The policy notes that 'scented products contain numerous toxic chemicals' and, because these 'can cause serious breathing and neurological reactions in environmentally sensitive people,' it says 'wearing fragrances, like smoking tobacco, is not just a personal preference -- it is a vital matter of public health'." http://www.geocities.com/fragranceallergy/RosedaleGrandmontBaseballLeagueDetroit.html   Sierra Club "For the protection of health, we request that those attending Chapter meetings do not wear fragrances." http://sanfranciscobay.sierraclub.org/yodeler/html/1998/12/16.htm and http://sanfranciscobay.sierraclub.org/yodeler/html/1999/01/events.html   Southeastern PA and Central & Southern NJ "Bucks County Life and Health Management Self Help Group. ... Dress comfortably, fragrance free meetings. " http://www.wisdom-magazine.com/Calendar/panj.htm   US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Public Meeting Notice "... Additionally, to accommodate meeting participant(s) with severe allergies to fragrances, we respectfully request that members of the public refrain from wearing cologne/perfume." http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcsmtno.htm   State of Washington Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment "Fragrance Free Group Settings - GCDE will include in the notification of meetings and conferences, in the accessibility and accommodations information section, that it is the policy of GCDE to hold fragrance free meetings.Ý Notices will ask participants and attendees to limit their use of colognes, perfumes, after shave, and scented lotions and hair sprays, etc. in group settings." http://www.wa.gov/esd/gcde/policy.htm   Police Disabilities Awareness Guide San Francisco Police Department Environmental Illness (Multiple Chemical Sensitivites, E.I.) [from page 17] http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcssfpd.htm   Posters (opens a new window) Posters Rehabilitation San Francisco Vocational Services, San Francisco CA "Our facility has a fragrance-free policy for those with environmental sensitivities" http://www.sfvocationalservices.org/welcome.htm   School (including Universities) I think this is so important, I've scattered this info throughout this page . . . including here!   Accommodating Employees with Environmental Sensitivities Debra Sine, Leslirae Rotor and Elizabeth Hare A 51 page PDF file, definitely worth printing out. Includes section called "Guidelines for Managers," Part 4 and "Employee Awareness Kit," Part 5. What caught my attention was this line in Part 4: "Remember that the goal of accommodation is to enable the employee to remain a productive member of the office team." When I was still gainfully employed, that is all that I was requesting! Alas, the management team felt otherwise and in my opinion, their decision to continue business as usual may have contributed to many staff suffering various diseases that are environmentally caused such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, upper and lower respiratory problems, migraines, Parkinson's . . . and, of course, ultimately my developing MCS. This is my opinion. -- barb http://www.healthyindoors.com/english/ resources/workplace1.pdf   New Workplace Accommodation Challenges for the 21st Century Presented by Mandy J. Gamble, MS, CRC & Tracie D. Sabb, MS Human Factors Consultants; Job Accommodation Network A Service of U.S. DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy This is a great page of information, but for those of us living with the disabiling effects of fragrance sensitization, use your Find Command to drop right to their section on Fragrance Sensitivity. -- barb http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:gm5j_kCCFjkJ:janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc+EEOC+and+fragrance+accommodation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 or http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc or how I found it . . . http://216.239.51.100/search?q=cache:gm5j_kCCFjkJ:janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc+EEOC+and+fragrance+accommodation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 Also see section on Workplaces! How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html E-Magazine's Advice & Dissent Letters by Susan Vaughn and Barb Wilkie regarding article, "Smelling Good But Feeling Bad" http://www.emagazine.com/may-june_2000/0500advdis.html Also see General Suggestions http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/takheart.htm#Access Fragrance-sensitized Teachers and Students need Fragrance-FREE schools. People not yet recognizing symptoms of fragrance sensitization need scent-free too.-- barb American Lung Association's Virginia chapter How Friendly is the Air Quality in Your Child¼s School? Excerpted: "... Some common triggers are exposure to cigarette smoke; strong odors such as paint, perfume, glue, scented candles, air fresheners, molds and mildews, chalk dust and dust in old carpets or upholstered furniture. ..." http://www.lungusa.org/virginia/friendly.html   Bellingham Public Schools Bellingham, Massachusetts Dept of Ed. Office of Civil Rights Resolution Letter showing the School's Policy of concerning teachers and students refraining from wearing fragrances. "OCR urges the District to continue to reissue and implement, annually, its voluntary policy concerning teachers and students refraining from wearing fragrances that may cause the Student to have an allergic reaction." http://www.ed.gov/offices/OCR/letters/bellinghamres.html   Canada McGraw -Hill Ryerson - Educational Resources Performance Task: Fragrance Free Environments http://www.mcgrawhill.ca/school/booksites/chemistry+12/student+resources/toc/unit+1+organic+chemistry/performance+task+fragrance+free+environments/task.php And, http://www.mcgrawhill.ca/school/booksites/chemistry+12/student+resources/toc/unit+1+organic+chemistry/performance+task+fragrance+free+environments/background.php CCH Canada Examples of Accommodation: When Fragrances Are Toxic by Beata Nowakowska, Senior Editor, CCH Canadian Limited. "...[N]o-scent policies or scent-free encouragement programs make sense in many circumstances. Prevention is the best practice that any employer can adopt in the workplace. No amount of human suffering is justifiable. In the case of fragrance- associated health problems, prevention and avoidance are the only cures. Health advisories and a well-informed workforce make for happier and more productive employees. " Well said, CCH Canada. Would it were my former workplace took such an intelligent position. -- barb http://www.ca.cch.com/emonthly/sept/hr/index1.asp Or available through http://www.ca.cch.com/emonthly/sept/hr/index1.asp#self   CCOHS - Canadian Centre for Occupational and Health Safety Indoor Air Quality: A Legitimate OSH Concern "... The reason IAQ problems are difficult to determine is that building occupants are exposed to not one but several adverse conditions. For example, you might not think that the slight emissions from furniture, carpets, photocopiers, or the perfume worn by your co-workers could be harmful, but in combination they can affect your health. Again, these effects are impossible to trace accurately, but the condition does have a name: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). ..." http://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text27.html   Health & Safety Programs - Scent-Free Policy for the Workplace http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/scent_free.html   Canadian Schools For interesting background on fragrance-free policies in Canada, and their struggles with the fragrance industry, see EHN's page Halifax -- Another Perspective: Press Releases and Statements http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/aaprbb.htm   Auburn Drive High School, Halifax Environmental Illness: A Reality in Today's Schools by John Sandy Chisholm; Nova Scotia Teachers Union http://www.nstu.ns.ca/aviso/Fall98/enviro.html   Brookfield Junior High School Brookfield, Nova Scotia Canada " Scent Free" Policy: "Our school has adopted a "scent free" policy since 1996-97. This means that any perfume or fragrance is not permitted in our school. This is followed by not only the students, but the staff as well. There are a few students and staff that find discomfort with odors and the policy was put in place for their protection. All the staff and students have accepted the policy graciously." http://www.ednet.ns.ca/educ/schoolpages/bjhs/History.html   Citizens for A Safe Learning Environment Halifax, Nova Scotia http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Education/CASLE/examples.html   Scent-Free Healthy Schools September 1998 by K. Robinson http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Education/CASLE/scentfree.html   Sick Schools Sandra Moser & Avis Degaust http://www.nstu.ns.ca/aviso/winter01/sick.html   Dalhousie University: Environmental Health & Safety Home Page http://is.dal.ca/~ehs/index.htm A Scent-Free Campaign 2002-2003 Message from the President To Members of the University Community "... There is a growing understanding that harm is caused to many people from exposure to scented products.Ý Scented products make them sick.Ý The law is also moving towards protection of people with environmental sensitivities.Ý For example, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will consider discrimination complaints by persons with chemical sensitivities on the basis that they have a disability. "Therefore, the University is launching We Share the Air 2002-2003, a scent-free campaign that is a co-operative effort between the Environmental Health and Safety Office and the Employment Equity Office. ..." http://www.dal.ca/~scentfre/index.shtml   DALHOUSIE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY Issued: August 2, 1988; Issued by: President's Office Reviewed by the Environmental Health and Safety Committee: April 2003 POLICY STATEMENT " ... All Faculty, staff and students are expected to take individual responsibility for safe working practices and procedures so as to safeguard their own individual health and well being as well as that of all their colleagues." http://www.dal.ca/%7Eehs/radiatio_1530.html MYTHS http://www.dal.ca/~scentfre/myths.shtml   Q & A: 4. What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)? "... There are many theories about the cause of this illness, and at present there is much that we do not understand about the condition.Ý But while the research continues, the only reliable way to avoid painful and dangerous reactions is for the MCS sufferer to avoid as many triggers as possible.Ý While people with MCS are responsible for ensuring that their home environments are as free as possible from chemical triggers, they require the cooperation of others to make their classrooms, workplaces and recreational sites safe. ..." I've used that famous line from "Streetcar ..." about relying upon the kindness of strangers. It is true. If perfume were loud sound, most people would not dream of being so rude as to take it into public venues like classrooms, workplaces, healthcare facilities, transit conveyances, places of worship. But, by George, they sure fight and often nastily at that, about their right to wear strong scents, heavily applied in public places. http://www.dal.ca/~scentfre/faq.shtml#mcs 7. What happens if I don't adopt scent-free practices? "You are taking the risk of possibly causing harm, perhaps even severe pain and discomfort, to someone around you; harm that could easily be avoided.Ý... http://www.dal.ca/~scentfre/faq.shtml#whathappens   How to Handle 'Scent-Sensitive Situations' Guidelines for Students, Staff, Faculty "The following is designed to provide some guidelines for the handling of what is a sensitive issue for many people.Ý How do you deal with complaints in the office, in the classroom, and in public spaces at the university? http://www.dal.ca/~scentfre/guide.shtml   Statement on the Use of Scented Products A MUST READ! http://is.dal.ca/~ehs/scent.htm Examples of Accommodation: When Fragrances Are Toxic CCH Canadian http://www.ca.cch.com/emonthly/sept/hr/index1.asp#self   Ian Forsyth School, Dartmouth, N. S. "Scent Free" Policy "Ian Forsyth School asks staff, students and visitors to refrain from wearing scented products and/or bringing peanut products into the school. We have members in our school community who have serious allergies to these products." http://ianforsyth.ednet.ns.ca/HealthSafety.htm   Halifax West High School The "sleeping giant" and other schools by K. Robinson; UPdate Fall 1999 "...About 80% of Halifax Region schools have voluntary scent-free, fragrance-free programs. ..." http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/fall99sleepgiant.html   Hillville Elementary School Vernon, B.C. V1B 3A5 Scroll down a bit for their Fragrance Free Policy. -- barb "Hillview School recognizes that the air is shared by all persons on premises and those that visit the school. Suitable air quality is important in fostering a healthy learning and working environment. Maintaining suitable air quality requires continual attentiveness to eliminate unfavorable conditions. To this end, Hillview School is designated a fragrance free zone. Staff, parents and volunteers are asked to refrain from using scented personal products, especially perfume, cologne, hair spray that has a fragrance detectable by another person." http://www.sd22.bc.ca/hillview/bulletins/oct7-02.htm   Montague Regional High School Montague, Prince Edward Island, Canada No Scents Makes Sense Taking the Scents out of Sensitive http://www.edu.pe.ca/montaguehigh/scents.htm   The Shambhala School Halifax, Nova Scotia Look for No Scents. -- barb http://www.shambhalaschool.org/Handbook/procedure4.htm   Smokey Drive Elementary School Lower Sackville, N.S. B4C 3G1 Scroll down to Fragrance Free Environment in table. -- barb http://www.sdes.ednet.ns.ca/departments/school_policies.htm   University of Waterloo GUIDELINES ON WEARING SCENTED PRODUCTS Health and Safety Program Manual http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca/hspm/hygiene/scent/scent_guidelines.htm PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING BUILDING AIR QUALITY PROBLEMS http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca/hspm/documents/hygiene/Air%20Quality%20Procedures.htm We Share The Air posters "Disclaimer: This information is intended for use by the University of Waterloo's campus community. While the material contained may be reproduced by other individuals and organizations the University of Waterloo does not warrant its application to other campuses or workplaces. Comments are welcomed and may be directed to the Safety Office." http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca/hspm/documents/hygiene/Posters.htm Bulletin, Monday, December 20, 1999: Aroma posters are sent out http://www.bulletin.uwaterloo.ca/1999/dec/20mo.html   When Fragrances Can Kill New Westminster's newspaper, The Record http://www.royalcityrecord.com/013102/community/013102co2.html   Windsor Regional Middle School It's all in your head, isn't it? by Steven Van Zoost; Nova Scotia Teachers Union http://www.nstu.ns.ca/aviso/Fall98/head.html -- end list of Canadian Schools -- Cecil Community College North East ,MD "Fragrance-Free Statement "Cecil Community College strives to maintain an environment comfortable for all. As a courtesy to College employees who express sensitivity to fragrances, the College requests students and staff to please refrain from wearing scented products on campus. The College deeply appreciates student and staff cooperation and support." http://www.cecil.cc.md.us/Student_Services/handbook.htm   Challenge Charter School, Glendale, Arizona Environmental Heath Policies This page contains extensive and pertinent information that could be used as a guideline for any school, regarding pesticides, scented products and science chemicals -- barb http://www.challengecharterschool.net/enviromentalpolicy.htm   Classical Charter School McKinley Site, Appleton Wisconsin Family Handbook "Perfume / Cologne / Scented Lotions "Perfume, cologne and scented lotions may create an unhealthy situation for staff and students with asthma or allergies to certain fragrances. Therefore, it may be necessary for visitors to avoid certain areas of the school. If you believe you may put others at risk due to the fragrance you area wearing, please ask for additional information when you check in at the office. Your cooperation is appreciated." http://www.classicalcharter.com/AboutCCS/FamilyHandbookMcKSite2002-2003.html   Columbia Basin College Disability Resource Manual http://www.cbc2.org/c_access/resourc5.html   Multiple Chemical Sensitivity "People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity have become a driving force for improved air quality and the adoption of less toxic housekeeping and building maintenance practices." Thank you! We who live with MCS have worked hard to improve air quality for ALL. Missing, however, is any hint that fragrances are chemicals and cause pollution, which in turn cause adverse health events and are therefore barriers to access. 10/31/02 -- barb http://www.cbc2.org/c_access/resourc5.html#MULTIPLE_CHEMICAL_SENSITIVITY   Crabby Kathy -- A MUST READ! By KMAC Kids http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/kathy/home.htm Culver City High School A new policy -- released October 7, 2002 -- by Culver City High School in southern California, in which they acknowledge that staff and students like fragrances, but they are being asked not to wear, use, or bring them to school. They close their statement with this line: "Violation of this requirement shall be considered an attempt to cause physical injury, and thus be subject to suspension." http://www.ccusd.k12.ca.us/Schools/High/CulverHigh/culver_city_high_school__9-12_.html   Decatur, Illinois Public Schools Students breathing easier Spray products banned in some Decatur public schools myinky; By The Associated Press; January 14, 2003 http://www.myinky.com/ecp/local_news/article/0,1626,ECP_745_1672242,00.html   Decatur schools may bar certain scents By VALERIE WELLS H&R [Herald & Review] Staff Writer; Thu Dec 26 00:26:14 CST 2002 http://www.herald-review.com/rednews/2002/12/26/build/Local_News/localnews3.php or printer friendly: http://www.herald-review.com/utility/printeasy.php3   Dragonfleye Charter School's ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH POLICY Phoenix, AZ 85021 http://www.dragonfleye.org/envir.htm   Environmental Protection Agency Document on Asthma in Schools "... 2. Does the school maintain good indoor air quality? Does it reduce or eliminate allergen sand irritants that can make asthma worse? Allergens and irritants include pets with fur or feathers, mold, dust mites (for example, in carpets and upholstery), cockroaches, and strong odors or fumes from such products as pesticides, paint, perfumes, and cleaning chemicals. [emphasis added] http://www.neahin.org/programs/environmental/asthmafriendly.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] " Effectively managing a child¼s asthma can best be accomplished through a comprehensive plan that addresses both the medical management of the disease and avoidance of environmental triggers. Since children spend most of their time in schools, day care facilities, or at home, it is important to reduce their exposure to environmental asthma triggers as much as possible in each of these environments. This publication focuses on steps that schools can take to help children breathe easier. ..." http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/asthma/asthma_in_schools.htm   Asthma and Indoor Environments "... 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. ... " [emphasis added] http://www.epa.gov/iaq/asthma/introduction.html   Perfumes and Asthma - don¼t mix (fragrances can trigger asthma attacks!) Anderson Laboratories, et al. a two page brochure to print and give to your doctors, friends, school principals, and town administrators. http://www.andersonlaboratories.com/alweb30.htm   EHN's version:Perfumes and Asthma Don't Mix Trifold brochure developed by barb, based on collaborative effort led by Julius Anderson, MD,PhD This version has been approved by Dr. Anderson. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/donmix.htm Environmental Working Group http://www.ewg.org/   Safer Schools - June 2001 Portable classroom makers will switch to less-toxic materials to protect kids' health How about less-toxic building materials for schools, hospitals, buildings for folks of all ages? Before industry cries, "Too expensive!," THINK! The cost of ill health can be measured in dollars by industry . . . but it is beyond measuring by those debilitated, disabled, or dead. -- barb http://www.ewg.org/pressreleases/pr06212001.html   The Evergreen State College (TESC) ... "TESC supports the concept of a fragrance-, and pollutant-free environment on its properties and in its programs. The college seeks to maintain the best possible air quality attainable within fiscal, legal and regulatory constraints. In pursuit of that goal, these procedures will be implemented.unity members are asked to refrain from using or wearing scented products. ..." http://www.evergreen.edu/policies/g-air.htm   Faribault middle school bans perfumes, colognes from students The Brainerd Daily Dispatch http://www.brainerddispatch.com/stories/022602/edu_0226020003.shtml Or: "Faribault school bans students' use of perfumes, colognes" The Star Tribune http://www.startribune.com/stories/1556/1701620.html Fragrant door - BLISTERED! Students, other than Ms. Sanderson's blasted her door with perfume. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/doorjudy.htm   Healthy Schools Network, Inc http://www.healthyschools.org/ IAQ in School - Key Resources http://www.aehf.com/IAQSch/IAQKeyRes.htm   Jefferson City, Missouri, Public Schools Section 504 Accommodation Plan "[A]n example of a progressive school that has implemented a comprehensive plan to provide a student with severe asthma triggered by perfumes a fragrance free educational environment including: Fragrance Free school bus Fragrance Free school Fragrance Free Basketball team as well as all competing teams, coaches and officials - the team was 10-0 last season! Fragrance Free extracurricular activities (dances) including chaperones and parent volunteers http://immune.best.vwh.net/stephanie/504.html http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/s.htm#Stephanie's   Maine School Administrative District No. 48 Newport, Maine - "Fragrance Policy" "Fragrance "The MSAD #48 Board of Directors has the goal of maximizing student potential and educational achievements.Ý That goal cannot be realized by students who have difficulty breathing or concentrating as the result of the use or overuse of fragrant substances by other students. "Administrators are authorized to take appropriate measures, including sending students home, to curb excessive use of perfumes, after shaves, and other fragrant substances." http://www.msad48.org/mainfrm.cfm?tpid=514   Maine School Administrative District No. 68Ý Dover-Foxcroft, Maine Student Dress Code and Fragrance Policy" (broken link from: http://www.sad68.com/PolicyHandbook.htm to "JICA) North Seattle Community College (NSCC) http://www.gonorth.org/   Classroom Policy on Environmental Illness & Solvent Sensitivity Posted by permission and with the review of Dr. Tom Kerns. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/nsccclas.htm   Fragrance Free Policy (on their site) "North Seattle Community College recognizes that the air is shared by all members of the college community and those who visit the campus; that suitable air quality is important in fostering a healthy and creative learning and working environment. North strongly advocates a pollutant-free environment. It also encourages a fragrance-free environment on its campus and in its programs. The college seeks to maintain the best possible air quality attainable within fiscal, legal, and regulatory constraints." http://www.northseattle.edu/info/air.htm   Indoor Air Quality Guidelines - Briefer version Posted by permission and with the review of Dr. Tom Kerns. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/nsccguli.htm   Indoor Air Quality Policy Posted by permission and with the review of Dr. Tom Kerns. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/nsccpolc.htm -- end North Seattle -- John F. Nuner Elementary School 2716 Pleasant Street South Bend, Indiana 46615 Phone: (574) 283-7850 Fax (574) 283-7853 " Perfume or Cologne "Many students and adults are allergic to odors. No perfume is allowed at school. Spraying perfume at or on someone will result in a detention. " http://www.sbcsc.k12.in.us/nuner/Discipline%20&%20Behavior.html#anchor1961215   Safe Schools Irene Ruth Wilkenfeld "In Memorium... Irene Wilkenfeld - February 27, 1945 - February 29, 2004" I miss my friend, but treasure having been a part of her life circle. -- barb http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/   Open Letter: Perfumes Contaminate Our Classrooms By Irene Wilkenfeld, Safe Schools Dr. James Cone has moved to work in New York City, their great gain, our great loss. -- barb http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/perfclasslet.html   WARNING ALL MOMS: TOXIC CHEMICALS FOUND IN DESIGNER FRAGRANCE Environmental Health Group Petitions FDA to Have Fragrance 'Misbranded' http://ehnca.org/www/PressReleases/fragmisb.htm   HEALTHY KIDS: THE KEY TO BASICS Ellie Goldberg, M.Ed. http://www.information-engineer.com/kids/kidshp.htm Focus On Indoor Air Quality http://www.information-engineer.com/kids/iaq.htm Green Decade Coalition http://www.information-engineer.com/kids/grcoalhp.htm Suggestions for Accommodation at School by Ellie Goldberg, MEd http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcsschac.htm The Healthy School Network http://www.hsnet.org HEATH Resource Center - American Council on Education Students with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity/Environmental Illness: An Accommodation Challenge "... The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) defines a person with a disability as anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. If a student's functional ability is severely limited by the symptoms of MCS/EI, he or she would be considered a person with a disability under the ADA, and campus support staff must provide reasonable accommodations so that there will be access to the program. ..." http://www.acenet.edu/programs/heath/MCS.cfm   NCEF Resource List: Indoor Air Quality National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities "INDOOR AIR QUALITY "NCEF's resource list of links, books, and journal articles addressing indoor air quality issues in K-12 school buildings, including building materials, maintenance practices, renovation procedures and ventilation systems." http://www.edfacilities.org/rl/iaq.cfm   North Dakota State University Career Center Web Interviewing Skills "... Refrain from wearing fragrances, as many people experience adverse reactions to them. (chemical sensitivities). ..." http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/career_center/students/interview.at.shtml   Classroom and Office Fragrance Policy By Dr. Glinda Crawford http://www.und.edu/instruct/gcrawfor/FRAGRANC.htm   North Seattle Community College (NSCC) http://www.gonorth.org/   Classroom Policy on Environmental Illness & Solvent Sensitivity Posted by permission and with the review of Dr. Tom Kerns. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/nsccclas.htm   Fragrance Free Policy (on their site) "North Seattle Community College recognizes that the air is shared by all members of the college community and those who visit the campus; that suitable air quality is important in fostering a healthy and creative learning and working environment. North strongly advocates a pollutant-free environment. It also encourages a fragrance-free environment on its campus and in its programs. The college seeks to maintain the best possible air quality attainable within fiscal, legal, and regulatory constraints." http://www.northseattle.edu/info/air.htm   Indoor Air Quality Guidelines - Briefer version Posted by permission and with the review of Dr. Tom Kerns. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/nsccguli.htm   Indoor Air Quality Policy Posted by permission and with the review of Dr. Tom Kerns. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/nsccpolc.htm   Pesticide Reduction in Schools (As with most of EHN's links this section is also listed under Children and Pesticides) http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/s.htm#School Protect schoolchildren from poor indoor air quality Julie McMaine Evans Articles by Julie McMaine Evans - includes healthy schools http://www.cloudnet.com/~julie/articles.htm   Safe Schools, Irene Ruth Wilkenfeld http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/ Bill Of Rights: Environmental Quality in Our Schools http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/rights.html   Contact Information http://http.tamu.edu:8000~wilk/~wilk/irene.html#contact Health Statistics http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/h_stats.html Open Letter: Perfumes Contaminate Our Classrooms By Irene Wilkenfeld, Safe Schools Dr. James Cone has moved to work in New York City, their great gain, our great loss. -- barb http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/perfclasslet.html   Problem Classroom Contaminants http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/contaminants.html Symptoms of Sick School Syndrome http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/symptoms.html Stephanie's 504 Accomodation Plan (A student with MCS) JEFFERSON CITY [Missouri] PUBLIC SCHOOLS Seventh Grade http://www.immuneweb.org/steanie/504.html Thomas Jefferson Middle School http://members.xoom.com/oneearth/IAQ2000/page3.html School administrators seek 'fragrance free' attendance at meeting Jefferson City News Tribune; Monday, May 8, 2000 http://www.newstribune.com/stories/050800/loc_0508000004.asp Students with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity/Environmental Illness: An Accommodation Challenge "According to reports from campuses and recent conferences, disability support service providers and institutional administrators have seen an increase in requests foraccommodations for students with a diagnosis of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity/Environmental Illness, or MCS/EI. ..." http://www.acenet.edu/programs/heath/MCS.cfm   Suggestions for Achieving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) By Mark Jackson, MSE, MBA http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcsiaq.htm University of California School of Nursing Update The School of Nursing Newsletter, December 2001 issue F.Y.I. A Reminder about FRAGRANCES: The SON has more than a few students, faculty and staff whose chemical sensitivities range from merely irritating to disabling. There are many different symptoms from mild to severe and there is no real treatment except AVOIDANCE. The faculty voted to make the School fragrance free several years ago in an attempt to reduce some of the triggers that make people uncomfortable or sick. Please cooperate with this policy to help improve the health of our work and learning environment. http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/www/2001-12.htm   University of Minnesota MCS Accommodation Guidelines http://ds.umn.edu/disabilities/MCSEIPolicy.html University of North Dakota "Classroom and Office Fragrance Policy Ý "We recognize... Fragrances are chemicals. They affect the health (living chemistry) of those in our midst (and unknown ones who follow)... " http://www.und.edu/instruct/gcrawfor/FRAGRANC.htm   University of Waterloo GUIDELINES ON WEARING SCENTED PRODUCTS Health and Safety Program Manual http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca/hspm/documents/hygiene/guidelines.htm PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING BUILDING AIR QUALITY PROBLEMS http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca/hspm/documents/hygiene/Air%20Quality%20Procedures.htm We Share The Air posters "Disclaimer: This information is intended for use by the University of Waterloo's campus community. While the material contained may be reproduced by other individuals and organizations the University of Waterloo does not warrant its application to other campuses or workplaces. Comments are welcomed and may be directed to the Safety Office." http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca/hspm/documents/hygiene/Posters.htm Vermont Public Schools H.192 AN ACT RELATING TO TOXIC MATERIALS AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN VERMONT PUBLIC SCHOOLS http://nontoxicschools.tripod.com/vermontssafeschoollaw.html York University - http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/index.htm   Dept of Occupational Health & Safety, York University Guidelines - Scented Products - Bulletin on the Use of Scented Products Two posters available from bottom of this page in PDF or HTML format. -barb http://www.yorku.ca/dohs/doc/Guidelines/ScentedProducts/scentedproducts.htm Stats Lab - "  Please refrain from wearing perfume or cologne or other strongly scented products to the lab on Tuesdays. G, who will be staffing the lab on Tuesdays, suffers from severe asthma. Your consideration will be much appreciated. If you forget and arrive at the lab you are taking a chance. If G is breathing well, then she may be able to accommodate you by setting you up in one of the cubicles in the lab. However, if it is a day when she is not breathing well she may respectfully ask you to come back on a different day. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any concerns regarding this request please speak to me. Further information about respiratory disorders is given later in this newsletter." "Respiratory disorders "Respiratory disorders are often invisible. It is not easy to pick from a crowd someone who suffers from severe asthma. As we have read in the papers lately asthma can be a life threatening disorder. The risks to a person with asthma are also hidden: dust, cigarette smoke, toxic fumes, perfumes, aftershave, cologne, and other strongly scented products. These air-born allergens may trigger a severe respiratory reaction, or cause increased inflammation in the upper respiratory tract of a person with asthma."  Paul Herzberg http://www.psych.yorku.ca/herzberg/Stats_News1.htm Posters: Skunk - "No scents is good sense" http://www.yorku.ca/dohs/doc/Guidelines/ScentedProducts/skunk.htm   "Wake up and smell the coffee" http://www.yorku.ca/dohs/doc/Guidelines/ScentedProducts/coffee.htm   States Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Governor's Council on Disability "Some persons employed with or visiting Governor¼s Council on Disability offices or events report sensitivities to various chemical-based or scented products.Ý We ask for everyone¼s cooperation in our efforts to accommodate their health concerns." For more on the State of Missouri's Fragrance-Free Policy, see: http://www.dolir.state.mo.us/gcd/scent-freepolicy.htm   Theater How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html   The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles Fragrance-free language is on their playbill. Music Center in downtown Los Angeles 135 North Grand Ave at Temple St. Los Angeles CA 90012 "Our policy on Fragrances appears in our program. The section reads: "FRAGRANCES "Please refrain from wearing strong perfumes and cologne. Many people are allergic to heavy scents."   Success Smells Sweet to `Phantom's' Vroman By JERRY CARROLL, Chronicle Staff Writer San Francisco Chronicle Thursday, December 12, 1996 Excerpted here so visitors have a chance to learn that it is not only fellow patrons who cannot breathe in a scent-polluted atmosphere, but the actors and actresses, whose very voices YOU depend upon hearing. Chemicals combined to make synthetic scents can and do cause laryngitis. -- barb The San Francisco company of the enormously popular "Phantom of the Opera" marks its third anniversary and its 1,260th performance at the Curran Theatre today, pleasant enough milestones. But the actors are bracing for one not so nice, the annual New Year's Eve performance. The house is always packed that night, and therein lies the problem. "Everyone dresses up big time," said Lisa Vroman, who plays the virginal Christine in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. "And everyone wears a different scent." Some really pour it on. As the play unfolds, body heat in the theater builds and, as it unleashes powerful waves of perfume and cologne, the term "the smell of the crowd" takes on new meaning for folks on the stage. By the time the action has moved to the roof of the Paris Opera House at the end of Act 1, co-star Franc D'Ambrosio, playing the Phantom, buries his face against the fumes as he waits to reveal himself in the nest of gilded nudes high above the footlights. "Individually,"' said Vroman, "the scents might be nice, but in combination you literally gag. Some people are allergic and it wreaks havoc with sinuses. Sometimes I can't get my breath. So on behalf of the company, I beg people to go easy on the scent." ... http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1996/12/12/DD15845.DTL Printer Friendly: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1996/12/12/DD15845.DTL&type=printable   Transit How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html   Transit Agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area If YOUR transit district doesn't recognize the access and accommodation needs of the fragrance sensitized population, please contact them and let them know that other transit districts have policies. This is a work in progress. (But then, so is this entire site!) -- barb AC Transit, East Bay "Scented Products: Please refrain from wearing scented products as there may be attendees susceptible to environmental illnesses." http://www.actransit.org/aboutac/bod/boardagendas.wu4   BART "Please refrain from wearing scented products (perfume, cologne, after-shave, etc.) to this meeting, as there may be people in attendance susceptible to environmental illnesses." This notice appears on BART's meeting agendas. -- barb http://www.bart.gov/about/bod/meetingagenda_7081.asp   Central Contra Costa Transit Authority I cannot find a hint of fragrance-free language, and can't remember if I ever knew that they respected the access and accommodation needs of the already chemically injured. -- barb   Cities of Fairfield / Suisun City   Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transit District Golden Gate Gazette Reminders from Ms. Etty Ket "Refrain from applying perfume/cologne before riding the bus‚some folks are allergic." http://www.goldengate.org/news/Gazette_Jan_2002.pdf 08/04 -- Still available from: http://web.archive.org/web/20030311113414/http://www.goldengate.org/news/Gazette_Jan_2002.pdf   LAVTA (Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority)   MCTD (Marin County Transit District) Muni (San Francisco Municipal Railway) City of Petaluma SamTrans (San Mateo County Transit District) Santa Rosa CityBus Solano Transportation Authority Sonoma County Transit TA(Transportation Agency, Santa Clara County) Tri Delta (Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority) Union City Transit City of Vacaville Vallejo Transit The V.I.N.E. and Napa Valley Transit WestCAT (Western Contra County Transit Authority)     Travel How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html   Toxic Chemicals in Your Environment; Total Environment Centre I find I am becoming increasingly intolerant to the smell of perfumes. Can you give me some information on this? http://www.tec.nccnsw.org.au/member/tec/projects/tcye/faq/Household/faq_140.html   Workplace Also see General Suggestions -- this page, above http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/takheart.htm#Access It is difficult for me to fathom in this day and age (now, 2004), with all the information available on the harmful chemicals used to create fragrances, that workplaces are still putting in a lot of time and energy to protect the employee who wishes to wear scented products. Workplaces -- employers AND employees -- have an obligation to work together to improve air quality for all. Goodness sakes, what are the Illness and Prevention policies all about? The EPA states in its IAQ publication at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html#Suscauses . . .   Three major reasons for poor indoor air quality in office buildings are the presence of indoor air pollution sources; poorly designed, maintained, or operated ventilation systems; and uses of the building that were unanticipated or poorly planned for when the building was designed or renovated. Sources of Office Air Pollution   As with homes, the most important factor influencing indoor air quality is the presence of pollutant sources. Commonly found office pollutants and their sources include environmental tobacco smoke; asbestos from insulating and fire-retardant building supplies; formaldehyde from pressed wood products; other organics from building materials, carpet, and other office furnishings, cleaning materials and activities, restroom air fresheners, paints, adhesives, copying machines, and photography and print shops; biological contaminants from dirty ventilation systems or water-damaged walls, ceilings, and carpets; and pesticides from pest management practices. [Emphasis added.] While the EPA doesn't take it that extra step to specifically state perfumed personal care products pollute the air for all, they do provide a clue in that they include air "fresheners." Any employer who just doesn't GET IT regarding the topic of fragrances would do well to look at the analyses of fragrances. EHN has provided you with the first, as part of its Citizens' Petition of the US Food and Drug Administration, filed back in May 1999 and assigned docket number 99P-1340. See "Laboratory 2: Analysis Summary of Eternity eau de parfum by Calvin Klein." (Notice all of the chemicals listed on the EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory and on the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS).) http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/analysis.htm. More recently, GreenPeace UK has begun analyzing fragrances. See what they have to say by visiting http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/Products/Toxics/chemicalhouse.cfm?producttypeid=5 Modern perfumes and fragrances for cosmetics, personal care products and pharmaceuticals, as well as household and janitorial cleaning and maintenance products, are largely derived from petrochemicals. Fragrances contain chemicals that are known or suspected carcinogens, hormone disrupters, irritants (POISONS lung and skin), neurotoxins, sensitizers (lung and skin) and teratogens (adversely affecting embryonic and fetal development). Now why would the wearing and using perfume pollutants be a defendable position in anything but a personal environment? Generally mass-marketed fragrances will be found in any product with the word "Fragrance" on the label. Frankly, that benign sounding word, tells you nothing and leads you to believe that because the product has followed the US Food and Drug Administration's regulation to list "Fragrance" when the product contains it, then that scented product is under FDA authority. This is highly misleading; the FDA has demonstrated no real authority. The fragrance industry is self-regulated and further protected by trade secret laws and the fragmentation of responsibility of government agencies charged with protecting public health. The FDA doesn't even require its alert on fragrance products that have been released to market without substantiation of safety. IF the FDA did, you'd see on labels the words: "WARNING: The safety of this product has not been determined." (See "FDA Authority Over Cosmetics" http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-206.html.) There is much to learn about fragrance concoctions on various pages of this website, including EHN's Citizens' Petition of the FDA at http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm. I also recommend that you check the site of my friend and colleague, Betty Bridges, RN. Betty has compiled a wealth of information and made it available on her renowned site, the Fragranced Products Information Network at http://www.fpinva.org. Additional information can be gleaned from the Environmental Working Group's petition of the FDA (June 2004) „Skin Deep¾ at http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/ Employers, should you feel you need more information on chemical injury (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity -- that one advocate labeled: "The disability that cannot say its name outloud"), please take the time to visit EHN's MCS Links page at http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/mcs.htm   Accommodating Employees with Environmental Sensitivities Debra Sine, Leslirae Rotor and Elizabeth Hare A 51 page PDF file, definitely worth printing out. Includes section called "Guidelines for Managers," Part 4 and "Employee Awareness Kit," Part 5. What caught my attention was this line in Part 4: "Remember that the goal of accommodation is to enable the employee to remain a productive member of the office team." When I was still gainfully employed, that is all that I was requesting! I wanted to remain a productive member of the agency. Alas, the management team felt otherwise. I went to work in good faith, but day in and day out, I was subjected to undisciplined harassment and chemical assaults. In my opinion, management's decision to support the wearing and using of perfume pollutants may have contributed to many staff suffering various diseases that are environmentally caused such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, upper and lower respiratory problems, mirgraines, Parkinson's . . . and, of course, ultimately my developing MCS. Of course, this is my opinion. -- barb http://www.healthyindoors.com/english/ resources/workplace1.pdf Controlling Exposures In Your Workplace From Dr. Grace Ziem's Environmental Control Plan for Chemically Injured Patients by Dr. Grace Ziem http://www.mcsbeaconofhope.com/MCS%20BOH/ziem_env._control.htm#ch7 How to Be Fragrance Free By Peggy Munson http://www.peggymunson.com/mcs/fragrancefree.html Also, go to Posters on EHN's General Links, page P / Posters http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/p.htm#Posters Let us keep a thought in mind to those who wear synthetically scented products. They often have no idea that their own rude behavior, short tempers, irrational moods, et al., could well be the result of the effects of the neurotxins they are absorbing and inhaling in the fragrance products they choose to use. It's easy to lay blame on those who recognize chemical injury. Let's also look to the fact that those who wear and use scents are adversely affected, too. Besides, they are likely to be dismissive, think we are malingerers, that we are in panic mode If you stop to think about all the drug ads -- prescribed and over-the-counter -- that's not hard to understand. It does, however, remain awfully hard to deal with while in reaction to their fragrance. We, the chemically injured, must deal with our own reactions and be patient with the ignorance and hateful-hurtfuls doled out by the fragrance user. THAT is a tall order. -- barb I want to get to the nitty-gritty! Some of the worst cases of hostility in the workplace that I've experienced, both personally and through messages from others seeking help, have centered around the issue of the use of synthetic fragrances in personal care products, including perfumes, colognes and aftershaves, as well as household and janitorial cleaning and maintenance products. What I've noticed, yet have not seen documented, is the extreme nastiness of the fragrance-user against the individual seeking cleaner air in which to breathe, to think, to work PRODUCTIVELY. To LIVE. Interestingly, the label of "aggression" is quickly linked to the one asking for fragrance-free accommodation, yet the acts of aggression come from the fragrance-users and are directed against those seeking cleaner air that will benefit ALL staff. I've experienced some of the nastiest of nasties from vaious scent-wearing section managers, a lawyer, a human resources manager (don't you love those words . . . human RESOURCES -- conjures up strip-mining and deforestation, only the human variety), an Affirmative Action Officer and a building manager, plus a couple of colleagues. Of course, nothing I experienced was viewed as discrimination by California's Dept. of Fair Employment and Housing or by the EEOC. Is this an environment conducive to working? Having my work area sprayed with perfume, perfumed people traipsing about my room for no reason other than to leave their noxious vapor trail, having the area just outside my door sprayed with canned "poop" odor day in and day out for a couple of weeks, hateful notes posted to the staff bulletin board, being ostracised (a clear message to staff to not complain about the air quality. I was told by EEOC that had I had an obvious disability it would be different. My "hidden" disability is pretty obvious when in anaphylactic shock, or when in the throes of severe asthmatic coughing with that seal-like bark, or when I'd go splat on the street or sidewalk thanks to the slightest hint of fabric softeners polluting the ambient air, or when I staggered into walls in the workplace after having encountered a scented staffer, or when I had to wear an oxygen tank and a respirator to breathe in my former workplace . . . but none of that "counted." I was forced to take early retirement, but I feel that probably saved my life. (And yes, my health has improved since I left my toxic workplace and began acupuncture treatment while continuing with chiropractic. I'm not "cured" but generally healthier. And, my "quality of life" has greatly improved. And, I'm alive.) While I'm giving my personal story, here is something else I tried in my former workplace. We are always supposed to maintain our sense of humor . . . and by George! I'll put mine up against anyone's . . . so in that vein, I wrote and attached to my office door, The 90s Workplace. Typically, those who got IT, got it. And the others thought only in terms of their personal rights being put asunder . . . with no regard for the rights of others to work headache- or asthma-free, to be able to think clearly, or to simply to not have to eudure the smell someone else has determined is THE smell to share with all and sundry . . . or, for me to work free of the Many Chronic Symptoms of my MCS, which I acquired in that workplace, thanks to their perfume! Mind you, my workplace was posted against sexual harassment, and fragrances are sold as sexual attractants, but only I seemed to have noticed that connection. Just think, in a workplace such as the one I had served for 23 years, it all boils down to one's personal right to wear -- with impunity -- synthetic scents concocted with tens to hundreds of toxic, volatilizing chemicals, about which not enough toxicological information is available and whose chemicals can be found on the EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory and the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS). Perfume stinks in more ways then one, in my opinion. To check the veracity of my statement, see FDA Petition, Analyses http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm#Analyses The NITTY-GRITTY And now for something I think may be important. Found, January 20, 2003. "... Are perfumes worn by co-workers considered a workplace hazard? YES! ..." Dept. of Energy / Environment Safety and Health Information Portal RECORD ID D97-01-009 INFORMATION DATE 01-16-1997 SUBJECT Recordability Of Asthma Attack Due To Perfume At Work I retired in October 1998. If only I had been able to find this in January 1997! I hope it helps those of you who are still gainfully employed and trying to educate your management team about improved air quality for all! -- barb http://tis.eh.doe.gov/rl/pres/docs/D9701009.HTM Business Leadership Network Includes info on people with disabilities, INCLUDING MCS. Take note Human Resource managers! -- barb http://www.usbln.com/index.html   INFORMATION EMPLOYERS CAN USE Chemical Sensitivity in the Workplace " ('Fragrance Sensitivity Can Be Considered a Disability and Require Accommodation,' HR News, April 2001) Like any disability, sensitivities to chemicals and fragrances require reasonable accommodations in the workplace. [emphasis added] http://www.usbln.com/tools/sitemailing_2001_06.html#employers   Canada's Safety Council - Canada's Voice and Resource for Safety Perfume in the Workplace "... Chemicals used in fragrances can cause health problems such as shortness of breath, headaches and migraines, nausea, muscle pain, and cold-like symptoms. Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and allergies can all be adversely affected by the chemicals found in scented products. According to the Lung Association, one study found that 72 per cent of people with asthma had adverse reactions to perfumes. ... "In the meantime, what can workplaces do to protect employees with chemical sensitivities? "First of all, when an employee raises concerns about his or her reaction to perfumes, management should take the matter seriously. Assuming systems are in place to maintain good indoor air quality, the next step is to identify the exact source of the problem and assess its extent. If the source is one or two employees, management should let those employees know the effect their perfume has on other staff and ask them to wear a lighter scent. ..." Lighter scents are petrochemically laden, as are so many products misleadingly labeled in the USA as "fragrance-free" or "unscented." It is OK by our FDA to add scent as a masking odor. -- barb http://www.safety-council.org/info/OSH/perfume.html   Dept. of Energy / Environment Safety and Health Information Portal RECORD ID D97-01-009 STANDARD NUMBER INFORMATION DATE 01-16-1997 SUBJECT Recordability Of Asthma Attack Due To Perfume At Work QUESTION Is this case recordable? We have an employee who has asthma. This employee has had asthma episodes resulting in work absences which her physician says were aggravated by exposure to irritants such as smoke and perfumes. Although our workplace is smoke-free, some employees wear perfumes and it is believed that these perfumes may have aggravated the asthma condition. Are perfumes worn by co-workers considered a workplace hazard? REGULATORY REVIEW Yes. An occupational illness is recordable when workplace conditions contribute to or aggravate a medical condition, even if the condition is a pre-existing condition. In general, each work-related asthmatic episode is recordable as a new case since it is triggered by a new exposure. [Emphasis added.] The concept of employer fault does not affect the recordability. As stated in C-12 on page 35 of the "Recordkeeping Guidelines for Occupational Injuries and Illnesses" (the "Blue Book"), "Sections 8(c)(2)and 24(a) of the OSH Act specifically define recordable injuries and illnesses. They make no distinction between incidents that are compensable under State workers' compensation laws, incidents that are caused by worker negligence, incidents caused by employer neglect, incidents that are preventable, or the random incidents that seem to happen when no one is at fault." The hazard status of perfume does not affect the requirement to record an occupational illness triggered by exposure to it in the workplace. In discussing recordable occupational illnesses, the "Blue Book" uses the terms "environmental factors", "suspected agents", and "other conditions", without assigning a recognition of hazard to them. http://tis.eh.doe.gov/rl/pres/docs/D9701009.HTM   The next three questions to pop into my mind are: What about the workplace in which scented employees deliberately set about to cause the fragrance-sensitized employee to suffer adverse events? It may be denied, and far too often it is overlooked by management, but far too many of us, who have tried desperately to remain gainfully employed while living with the debilitating and disabiling effects of MCS, have had our experiences of living hell brought to us by our scented colleagues . . . AND management staff, including Human Resources managers. What about the workplace that ostracizes the person made ill by those toxic chemical fragrance products? Oh, you can bet your bottom dollar that the claim from management is that it's their way of "helping" the chemically ill staff, but all of us who have been put through that experience know otherwise. What that isolation really is, is a very clear message to the rest of staff: Keep quiet. What about the workplace that fires or forces into retirement the person made ill by those toxic chemical fragrance products? People have sought other jobs when the going got too horrendous in their original workplace, only to discover that once people at the new job learned of their fragrance sensitization, the sensitized individual was again taunted and assaulted and then let go by management because they were "the problem." Workers' Comp and our judicial system is less than useless for the chemically injured individuals. It is time for a shift in paradigm. -- barb   The 90s Workplace There's a long-time employee in this workplace Who must play hide and seek with her own face Her breathing's impaired By perfume that's aired So she works adorned by gas mask, not lace. ©barb wilkie; written for Limerick Day, May 12, 1994 then posted to my workplace door. (A lifetime ago, when I was still gainfully employed. I must admit it was great fun to have heard it read aloud that day on the Frank and Mike show. Frank Dill and Mike Cleary, San Francisco radio . . . back in the days when a station was a station, not some piece of a huge media consortium. -- barb) Business & Health http://www.businessandhealth.com/   Allergens in the Workplace Allergens can emerge in settings that appear clean, well maintained and chemical free...at home and at work. By Helen Lippman, Contributing Editor "... The next time you encounter the guy down the hall who always seems to have a runny nose and red, watery eyes, don't assume it's an intractable cold, a bout of seasonal hay fever or a stubborn case of the flu. Office workers may not be exposed to heavy chemicals in spray paints, enzymes in detergents or the red cedar dust in lumber, but allergists now recognize that office buildings can harbor a number of allergens or irritants. A sneezing, sniffling employee could be reacting to copy machine toner, a colleague's perfume, airborne spores from mold and fungi in the circulation system, cockroaches or other indoor irritants or allergens. ... "... The first indication that something's amiss usually comes when employees report what they believe to be allergicãand job-relatedãsymptoms. But just getting workers to the point where they're willing to come forward requires deliberate action. 'Employers need to educate supervisors and other employees,' Grammer emphasizes. 'They need to be told that if they develop teary eyes, wheezing, sneezing or other related symptoms, they may be allergic to something in the workplace and need to tell someone. And tell them they don't have to worry about being fired,' she adds. "Keeping workers quiet or dismissing tentative complaints is a highly ineffective strategy that's likely to deflate employee morale. Delay also significantly boosts health risks and subsequent costs. ... http://www.businessandhealth.com/hostedfiles/features/allergiesatwork/physician/article04.htm   Top 10 Tips for Addressing Allergic Rhinitis Action Items for Employers Corporate and clinical experts who participated in a Business & Health roundtable agreed on 10 practical tactics for employers who recognize the impact of allergies on job performance. "... 4. Establish a policy addressing strong odors from such sources as perfumes. Even if such odors contain irritants rather than allergens per se, some employees may have a low threshold for distress. ..." I do believe they ought to know that "irritant" used to describe a chemical is not to be confused with an irritant that is an emotional annoyance. When talking about perfume, think of irritant as defined in your Oxford Dictionary: POISON. Although, I must admit, I have found that management teams that prefer to poison the air with perfumed products do cause distress, as used above. Distress as defined by American Heritage Dictionary means: A STATE OF PHYSICAL OR MENTAL SUFFERING, PAIN, MISERY, HURT, AGONY, ANGUISH,WOE, AFFLICTION. Chemical irritants -- poisons -- cause physical injury. -- barb http://www.businessandhealth.com/hostedfiles/features/allergiesatwork/consumer/article01.htm   Business Journal - Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal http://sanjose.bizjournals.com/   What's that smell? Your perfume or cologne can be hazardous to your co-workers' health by Michelle Hofmann; IN DEPTH: HUMAN RESOURCES http://sanjose.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2003/06/02/focus1.html   A Canary's Song An exchange of workplace e-mail: A "delusional" employee, once again proves her nose KNOWS! From The New Reactor -- Vol 8, No. 1: Jan - Feb 1998. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/newreact/Canarysg.htm   "Access for People With EI/MCS and Other Related Conditions" by California's [late] state senator, Milton Marks (in three parts) http://ehnca.org/www/books/eimcsf1.htm   Program on Employment Disability, Cornell University http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/ped/ Accommodating the Allergic Employee in the Workplace NC Chemical Injury Network http://www.NCchem.com/accommod.htm ADA and the fragrance-free policy: Baker Book House: A scent-free work environment http://reformed.net/thoughts/policy.shtml Scents in the Workplace By Dan Knight; October 1999 "This article is adapted from one submitted to my employer's company newsletter. Permission is hereby given to adapt it in your own efforts to raise awareness of fragrance problems in the workplace. Dan Knight " http://reformed.net/thoughts/workplace.shtml   BNA Daily Labor Report - A human resources journal Worker Sensitive to Perfume, Hand Lotion Can Proceed with ADA Claim, Court Rules - DAVIS VS. UTAH http://web.archive.org/web/20020607071609/http://www.shrm.org/hrnews/articles/default.asp?page=bna0517c.htm   Breathing Better: Action Plans Keep Asthma in Check FDA tells us: "...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.] This took a long time coming folks, and it appeared without fanfare. -- barb http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2003/203_asthma.html   Brobeck, Attorneys at Law Employee with a Heightened Sensitivity to Strong Fragrances May Be Disabled Under the ADA - DAVIS VS. UTAH If neither link works, try searching for "fragrances." -- barb http://www.brobeck.com/news_events/issues_archive.asp?PrintFl=Y&newsItem=IA2#3 OR http://www.brobeck.com/news_events/issues_archive.asp?newsItem=IA2#3   CCH Canada Examples of Accommodation: When Fragrances Are Toxic "...[N]o-scent policies or scent-free encouragement programs make sense in many circumstances. Prevention is the best practice that any employer can adopt in the workplace. No amount of human suffering is justifiable. In the case of fragrance- associated health problems, prevention and avoidance are the only cures. Health advisories and a well-informed workforce make for happier and more productive employees. " Well said, CCH Canada. Would it were my former workplace took such an intelligent position. -- barb http://www.ca.cch.com/emonthly/sept/hr/index1.asp Or available through http://www.ca.cch.com/emonthly/sept/hr/index1.asp#self   Clark & Bennett Spa Salon Toxic Fragrances Examples of Accommodation: When Fragrances Are Toxic; September 2001 "... For all these reasons, no-scent policies or scent-free encouragement programs make sense in many circumstances. Prevention is the best practice that any employer can adopt in the workplace. No amount of human suffering is justifiable. In the case of fragrance-associated health problems, prevention and avoidance are the only cures. Health advisories and a well-informed workforce make for happier and more productive employees. " This is what they had had available . . . at http://www.clarkeandbennett.com/articles/fragrance.html . However, in 2003, I can no longer find that page, but their homepage does contain information on fragrances, which you may find useful. -- barb http://www.clarkeandbennett.com/   U.S. EEOC - Fragrance Illness Accommodation - Roberts v. U.S. DOT http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/eroberts.htm   AeriasTM "Better health through indoor air quality awareness" http://www.aerias.org/default.asp   Asthma - A National Emergency " Common indoor pollutants such as molds, animal and insect allergens, and chemicals trigger asthma. "...Minimizing Chemical Pollutants and Odors. Volatile chemicals and odors can be minimized through removal of the source and/or use of low-emitting/ low-odor furnishings, materials, and processes. Many commercial and public facilities are endorsing smoke free, fragrance-free environments. ..." http://www.aerias.org/cgi-bin/news-shell.asp?article=159   Personal Care Products: Perfume, Hairspray, Aftershave, Deodorant, etc. "Personal care products and their contribution to indoor air quality is a topic that is both personal and political. These types of products can trigger allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks in many people as well as being very detrimental to those who are chemically sensitive. ..." http://www.aerias.org/cached_document_58.htm   IAQ Investigations in the Workplace and other Buildings http://www.aerias.org/kview.asp?DocId=48&spaceid=2&subid=13   American Lung Association (ALA) Asthma Magazine article: Wheezing at Work -- The Office Can be Home to an Assortment of Asthma Triggers By: Dawn Marvin and Jackie Trovato EXCERPTED: " .... You've given away the pets, cleaned the air ducts, removed carpeting and asked friends and family not to smoke or wear perfume or colognes when visiting. But, you may believe that you don't have the same degree of control over your work environment as you have at home. Or, perhaps you feel that your supervisor and co-workers wouldn't understand if you asked for changes within the office. So, you continue to expose yourself to asthma triggers at work. This may lead to your productivity suffering as well as having to take sick days due to uncontrolled asthma. "Seventy percent of people with asthma experience a worsening of symptoms when exposed to allergens and irritants. And many of these substances are present in work environments. One often hears of reactions occurring in industrial or manufacturing workplaces, but many asthma triggers can be found in offices as well. To ensure your health, as well as your employment, it is important that you look for ways to eliminate or reduce these triggers. ..." In the scented workplace, it is with good reason the worker asking for fragrance-free accommodation feels that supervisors, managers, executives and co-workers won't understand a request for fragrance-free accommodation. That is because the scent-users -- often "abusers" -- have made it abundantly clear that they won't accept a request for fragrance-free accommodation! In fact, time and again, it brings on assaults of varying degrees, carried out with impunity. We all have our stories from hell. We have to deal with harmful attitudinal barriers along with those invisible chemical barriers. -- barb http://www.lungusa.org/pub/ast_article4.html   Appeals by Management for Fragrance-free workplace: Cleaner air for ALL staff! These have been posted, where necessary by permission, in hopes of helping YOU. -- barb Baker Book House: A scent-free work environment http://reformed.net/thoughts/policy.shtml Memo sent to employees from HR Director This memo addresses the need of employees to breathe cleaner air. EHN brings it to you with permission. Helpful links are provided. -- barb Jan. 2001 . . . . updated March 2008 http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcswkhrm.htm   Office Manager's Informal Appeal http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcswkomm.htm   Addendum: "The 'fragrance-subtle' zone just doesn't cut it. No one knows how to define 'subtle'. " And to that I add, Our body types are different and therefore even the same fragrance on one will not have the same affect as on another. See Fragrance Foundation's Questions and Answers Question & Answer Guide "Is it true that fragrance reacts differently on blondes, brunettes and redheads? Yes. ... " http://fragrance.org/feature_faq_content.html   Arizona Technology Access Program: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity -- scroll down for accommodation suggestions http://www.nau.edu/~ihd/aztap/mcs.html   Ask the Workplace Doctors - "WEGO" See section on Perfume & Odors. -- barb http://www.west2k.com/wego.htm Attorneys at Law - Brobeck, Employee with a Heightened Sensitivity to Strong Fragrances May Be Disabled Under the ADA http://www.brobeck.com/news_events/issues_archive.asp?newsItem=IA2#3   Breath of Fresh Air "No Perfume Means Healthier Air" http://www.ourlittleplace.com/noperfume.html   Breath of Fresh Air Day (use sense not scents!) First Annual, May 12, 2000; PR by H.U.M.A.N. http://ehnca.org/www/PressReleases/breath1.htm Fragrance-free Workplace Accommodation Request By Barbara Wilkie (a formal request; ostracism followed) http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcswkpac.htm Fragrance-free Workplaces: A Reasonable Accommodation By Betty Kreeger http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcswkpbk.htm Government Agency's Public Meeting Notice http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcsmtno.htm   HEAL of Southern Arizona, MCS Accommodation Guidelines http://www.healsoaz.org/healaccess/mcs%20accommodation%20guidelines.htm   Is a fragrance free workplace right for you? January 30, 2003 "I'm a perfume person and I don't feel like I'm really dressed in the morning unless I have my perfume on," said Suzie Estudillo." And I cannot help but wonder what adverse health event may be in store for her. It is not as if she has crushed flower petals on her person; it's toxins in her body. She has a right to know! -- barb http://www.katu.com/printstory.asp?ID=54226   Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Also see: (JAN -- http://ehnca.org/ehnglnx2.htm#JAN) Worksite Accommodation Ideas for Individuals Who Experience Limitations Due To Fragrance Sensitivity "...An employer could choose to make a request that employees voluntarily refrain from wearing fragrances or the employer could go as far as creating a policy that requires employees to refrain. An employer has the right to decide how far is reasonable when implementing accommodations. ..." http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/fragrance.html   New Workplace Accommodation Challenges for the 21st Century Presented by Mandy J. Gamble, MS, CRC & Tracie D. Sabb, MS Human Factors Consultants; Job Accommodation Network A Service of U.S. DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy This is a great page of information, but for those of us living with the disabiling effects of fragrance sensitization, use your Find Command to drop right to their section on Fragrance Sensitivity. -- barb http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:gm5j_kCCFjkJ:janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc+EEOC+and+fragrance+accommodation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 or http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc or how I found it . . . http://216.239.51.100/search?q=cache:gm5j_kCCFjkJ:janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/symposium/Symposium_Handouts/Session3.doc+EEOC+and+fragrance+accommodation&hl=en&ie=UTF-8   Work-Site Accommodation Ideas for Individuals Who Experience Limitations Due to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)-Environmental Illness http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/MCS.html   Julia Kendall Award for a Fragrance-Free Workplace http://ehnca.org/www/PressReleases/99ffwkpl.htm And the winner is . . . http://ehnca.org/www/PressReleases/99ffwklt.htm Justice in the Workplace and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Guest Editorial by Philip D. Ranheim, MD Allergy & Environmental Medicine Appearing in The Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients By the way, EHN's website began because I found no justice in the workplace. -- barb http://www.tldp.com/issue/210/edjusticei.htm   KATU News Is a fragrance free workplace right for you? January 30, 2003 Many people have had a co-worker at one point that wore so much cologne or perfume that it was practically unbearable. The solution may be right around the corner: a fragrance free workplace. The fragrance free policy is cropping up in public buildings and in the next few years it may start hitting the private sector. http://www.katu.com/news/story.asp?ID=54226   Printer friendly http://www.katu.com/printstory.asp?ID=54226   Kaiser Permanente Fragrance-free Workplace Policy "To help promote a healthier and more enjoyable work place, the management team and space committee have put together a department policy regarding the use of fragrant products. ..." STATEMENT OF POLICY "We recognize that exposure to strong scents and fragrances in the environment can cause discomfort, as well as directly impact the health of some individuals. Since we hope to support a healthful environment for employees, physicians, and visitors, it is the intent of Quality and Operations Support to strive for a fragrance-controlled workplace. Therefore, for the comfort and health of all, use of scents and fragrant products by QOS employees, other than minimally scented personal care products, is strongly discouraged. "APPLIES TO: "All employees ..." Well, this is a bit of a crock, based on my personal experiences, including Nov. 2004. Believe me, I've tried to track this down and the number of Kaiser people who don't know about it is really something. The other response I've gotten time and again, is "OH, we have a fragrance-free policy, we're not to wear more than a modicum of scent." Let me assure you, I've assured the individuals in the Patient Services section that there is no such thing as a fragrance-free policy in which a modicum of scent is allowed. When one chooses to use mainstream industry's petrochemical-derived fragrances, one pollutes not only their body, but the bodies of others because they pollute the air for all. And, in update, I will definitely add my assault by perfume experience in nephrolgy/Pulmonary department of the main Oakland Kaiser hospital on July 26, 2005. 3/2/2006: I've not been back to that killer department since. But, I highly praise my internist and my GYN for doing everything in their power to accommodate my needs; to give me access. -- barb http://www.internalmemos.com/memos/memodetails.php?memo_id=2361   Memo sent to employees from HR Director This memo addresses the need of employees to breathe cleaner air. Helpful links are provided. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/mcswkhrm.htm   National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html   Chemical Safety When will NIOSH include synthetic scent chemicals? They volatilize to pollute the air for everyone!-- barb http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/chemical-safety/default.html   The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted. The PDF version is available as 99-104pd.html (23 pages, 292K) It is past time due to include synthetic scents in personal care products, including perfume, colognes, aftershave, lotions, deodorants, hair care products and cleaning/maintenance products -- barb http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/99-104.html Workplace Stress " 'Work stress imposes enormous and far-reaching costs on workers' well-being and corporate profitability,' said NIOSH Director Linda Rosenstock, M.D., M.P.H." I wonder if they have a clue as to the amount of stress that is applied to the employee with MCS -- most often in the name of getting him or her to leave of "his/her own volition." -- barb STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING JOB STRESS SUGGESTED BY CDC IN NEW PUBLICATION http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/stresrel.html Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured "NEW MEANING FOR ACCESS?" http://www.ncchem.com/ONFCI/disability.htm or http://www.ncchem.com/ONFCI/access.htm   Philadelphia ABC action news wpvi.com Fragrances - 1/24/01 "... A few companies are now declaring "fragrance-free" zones, and are banning scented products in the workplace. That's because many people wearing strong perfumes aren't considerate of their co-workers. So how much is too much? If you can smell your colleague's fragrance at arm's length - they're wearing too much. Another interesting note - a "fragrance-free" product label doesn't necessarily guarantee no fragrance, it just means no perceptible odor." What I've been saying on EHN's site for years! It's good to see it on ABC in Philadelphia! -- barb http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/health/0120-01272001_HK_Archive.html   Requesting Workplace Accommodation Betty Bridges, FPIN http://www.ameliaww.com/fpin/WkPol.htm Scent of a Workplace Fragrances are a major source of indoor air pollution. By Peggy Wolff, MS, APRN, HNC American Journal of Nursing June, 2003 - Volume 103, Issue 6 - Health & Safety "Q. One of my colleagues wears such strong perfume that it triggers my asthma. How can I encourage my colleagues to avoid using fragrances in the health care workplace? ... Regardless of type of workplace, including schools: First you have to have an administrator/human resources mgr. that demonstrates perspicaciousness; one willing to look beyond industry hype that its products and their ingredients are "safe and wholesome." Then the workplace establishes an educational program on cleaner air, which starts with leaving the perfumed products at home for one's own enjoyment among consenting adults. While the requests for fragrance-free accommodation have been ignored or denied, costly adverse health effects such as asthma and migraines have soared. Let's clear the air! -- barb http://www.nursingworld.org/AJN/2003/june/health.htm   Think Twice About Wearing a Fragrance to Work By Maire Farrington; The Noe Valley Voice, San Francisco "Strolling and shopping in Noe Valley are a breeze for most people. But for Grand View Avenue resident Amy Marsh -- and for those who share multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), often called environmental illness -- running errands on 24th Street can pose a real challenge." Amy Marsh, former EHN President, currently serving on Advisory Board. -- barb http://www.noevalleyvoice.com/1997/October/fragrnc.html   University of Minnesota MCS Accommodation Guidelines http://ds.umn.edu/disabilities/MCSEIPolicy.html University of Waterloo Guidelines on Wearing Scented Products University of Waterloo, Indoor Air Quality "Scented products indoors can have an impact on health." http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca/hse/hygiene/scent/scent_guidelines.htm Allergies/Sensitivities and the UW Campus http://www.healthservices.uwaterloo.ca/occupationalhealth/allergies.html We Share The Air posters "Disclaimer: This information is intended for use by the University of Waterloo's campus community. While the material contained may be reproduced by other individuals and organizations the University of Waterloo does not warrant its application to other campuses or workplaces. Comments are welcomed and may be directed to the Safety Office." Write: safety at uwaterloo.ca http://www.safetyoffice.uwaterloo.ca/hse/hygiene/scent/scented_posters.htm   Warning Signs of Sick Building Syndrome and MCS From MCS Referral & Resources http://www.mcsrr.org/factsheets/sbsfacts.html   Workplace and Community Issues Fragrance And Chemical Sensitivity Support Group http://www.geocities.com/fragranceallergy/WorkplaceIssues.html   The Workplace Doctors "What Can I Do About Co-Workers' Perfume?" The good doctors are assuming you work with people who are not suffering the adverse neurotoxic -- including aggressive behavior -- effects of their favorite synthetic scents. Those seeking fragrance-controlled or fragrance-free accommodation are often sprayed, or their work area is sprayed, or they have folks sashaying around their work area, only to spread the synthetic scent. Compassion is out the window. The synthetic scent is in the work area of the already chemically injured individual who really has little to no recourse. EEOC officials have been no help. Those in need of accommodation are the ones who are harassed -- including by members of management. "Persist, persist, persist with goodwill and good humor," say the doctors, gut that only works if the HR manager isn't also addicted to fragrances. If he/she is, and you persist, you'll likely be ostracized and then out the door, looking in. Finding another job when chemically injured isn't easy. The next workplace staff gets wind of your health issues and it begins again . . . only this time you are officially on probabtion! Time to change the paradigm! -- barb http://www.west2k.com/wpdocs/q221.htm   Worship Also see General Suggestions http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/takheart.htm#Access Let us keep a thought in mind to those who wear synthetically scented products. They often have no idea that their own rude behavior, short tempers, irrational moods, et al., could well be the result of the effects of the neurotxins they are absorbing and inhaling in the fragrance products they choose to use. It's easy to lay blame on those who recognize chemical injury. Let's also look to the fact that those who wear and use scents are adversely affected, too. Besides, they are likely to be dismissive, think we are malingerers, that we are in panic mode If you stop to think about all the drug ads -- prescribed and over-the-counter -- that's not hard to understand. It does, however, remain awfully hard to deal with while in reaction to their fragrance. We, the chemically injured, must deal with our own reactions and be patient with the ignorance and hateful-hurtfuls doled out by the fragrance user. THAT is a tall order. -- barb The Anglican Church of Canada Anglican Journal, October 2001 "Scent-free parishes in vogue" LEANNE LARMONDIN; WEB SITE MANAGER "FOR people whose throats virtually close up at the first whiff of incense or heavy perfume, going to church can not only be a health risk but lethal. ..." http://www.anglicanjournal.com/127/08/canada05.html   Aroma of Christ Ministry "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.Ý For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.Ý To the one we are the smell of death;Ý to the other, the fragrance of life."Ý 2 Corinthians 2:14 http://www.aromaofchrist.com/   Calvary Chapel Eastside Fragrance-free room for attendees with MCS or fragrance sensitization. http://www.calvarychapeleastside.com/ministry/?keyID=226794801   Chemical Sensitivity Among Quakers -- My Experience and My Leading by Alicia Adams http://www.quakerinfo.com/chemsens.shtml   Colognes, Chemicals, Compassion and the Church by Don Hooser, United NewsTM News of the UNITED CHURCH OF GOD, an International Association http://www.ucg.org/un/un0201/cologne.html   Friends and Fragrances by Gerry Glodek copyright, 2002 Geraldine Glodek: Permission is given to make copies. http://www.quaker.org/friends-and-fragrances.html   Interfaith Celebration Gathering Established for persons with MCS/CI and other disabilities that keep them from being able to worship in a congregation, Jeanne says "the 'bridges' in Bridges Church is a statement and symbol of linkage." The linkage is "between one another and to our rightful places of inclusion and voice back in the general (toxic) community, including now inaccessible places of worship." "Bridges is another welcoming door (to) our community whose mission includes mutual spiritual support and encouragement, and proactive stewardship of the earth through avenues that promote public awareness, compassion and response." http://naturescountrystore.com/interfaith/ Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Coalition on the Environment & Jewish Life http://www.rac.org/home-frame.html Sundays That Stink By John Knight http://reformed.net/thoughts/stink.shtml Unitarian-Universalists What do I say? What do I do? Interacting with Persons Who Have Disabilities http://www.uua.org/programs/justice/accessibility/what.html   Multiple Chemical Sensitivity http://www.uua.org/programs/justice/accessibility/what.html#multiple   United Metodist Church - Accommodation Ask for publications 5136 and 5138 from the Resource Book, Pgs 9-10, ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT FOR CHURCHES, United Methodist Resource Book Reprinted by permission. -- barb http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/methodi.htm Also see: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Accessibility for United Methodist Churches http://www.holoweb.com/survivors/UMC_Statement.htm     Return to top Return to EHN's Home Page (http://ehnca.org/www/) Complementary Information . . . Awards Christoer Allen, recipient of EHN's first Julia Kendall Award http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/awardehn.htm   Sue Hodges, Assemblywoman Aroner's Woman of the Year http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/awardsue.htm   Sue Hodges wins MTC's Doris Kahn Award http://www.mtc.ca.gov/publications/transactions/ta09-1099/heroes_main_story.htm#hodges   Return to top Bid Specifications (With a mind to health and true illness and injury prevention) City of Santa Monica Custodial Products Bid Specifications, 1998 " The City of Santa Monica has updated the procurement process for custodial/ maintenance products allowing the City to better evaluate the overall worker health and environmental impacts associated with their use." http://www.aehf.com/IAQSchools/BID+FORMS98.html   City of San Francisco CHAPTER 21F -- ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PURCHASING http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/California/San%20Francisco/Admin/chapter00058.htm?f=templates$fn=altmain-nf.htm$3.0#JD_21F.8   Return to top   Disaster Planning Berkeley's Jean Nandi's page. Jean had served as chair of Berkeley's Commission on Disability. DISASTER PLANNING INFORMATION & SUGGESTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND THOSE ASSISTING THEM Draft of an Appendix to the new City of Berkeley's Earthquake Preparation Handbook, published as the "CERT Handbook" at the end of 1998. Prepared by Matthew Wangeman and Jean Nandi, December, 1996 http://members.aol.com/jeannandi/HOMEPAGE/dis_plan.html   SECTION IV -- SPECIFIC NEEDS FOR PERSONS WITH MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES http://members.aol.com/jeannandi/HOMEPAGE/dis_plan.html#l08   For Persons with Chemical Sensitivities--Preparation in advance http://members.aol.com/jeannandi/HOMEPAGE/dis_plan.html#l08b   For Persons with Chemical Sensitivities--When Disaster Happens http://members.aol.com/jeannandi/HOMEPAGE/dis_plan.html#l09   Working with Persons with Chemical Sensitivities--Guidelines http://members.aol.com/jeannandi/HOMEPAGE/dis_plan.html#l10   Disaster Preparedness and other disability topics, available for purchase Creating a Disaster - Resistant Infrastructure for People at Risk Including People with Disabilities, November 30, 1999, 19 pages. June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant, All Rights Reserved. http://www.jik.com/resource.html#Disaster Preparedness: Indoor Air Think in terms of your home, school, workplace, healthcare facilities, place of worship, public transit conveyances . . . it is all indoor air and it is more polluted than outdoor air. If we work to correct the problems we've caused to our indoor air, we will also help eliminate some of the aspects of global warming. Consumer products are a large source of both outdoor and indoor air pollution. See CARB-- barb See links to documents scattered throughout this section, also visit EHN's section on Indoor Air Quality, General Links, page I, Indoor http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/i.htm#Indoor   Access Board and Indoor Air Quality http://www.access-board.gov/news/indoorair-notice.htm   American Lung Association Applauds Governor [Davis, Calif.] for Signing Indoor Air Pollution Legislation - Will Help Reduce Breathing Problems http://www.californialung.org/press/021001ab1173.html   Health Advocates Concerned about Indoor Air Pollution from "Public Policy Update", Breathe Easy news magazine, Spring/Summer 2002 http://www.californialung.org/advocacy/indoorair_02ss.html   Indoor Air Quality Standards Needed for Airlines Air Quality News, Breathe Easy news magazine, Fall 2002/Winter 2003 http://www.californialung.org/spotlight/02fw_air_quality.html   Poor Indoor Air Quality Poses Health Risk http://www.californialung.org/spotlight/air_quality_02ss.html   Poster: The Sweetest Smell . . . brought to you by ALA Newfoundland and Labrador http://www.nf.lung.ca/sweetest_smell.html   Clean Water Fund's Home-SAFE-Home guide "Each year, United States industries produce over 250 million tons of hazardous waste in the manufacture of consumer goods. That equals more than one ton per man, woman, and child currently living in America, and the numbers increase when we use and dispose of these products! Convenience items, disposable products, quick-fix household goods, and an array of non-biodegradable packaging contribute to the pollution of our air, soil, and water. Over 55,000 chemicals are contained in various household products and over 1,000 new synthetic chemicals appear on the market each year. Pesticides, cleansers, chemicals, and hosts of other products may offer instant results, but many also present health threats and continue to leave their mark on the environment for hundreds of years! You can help curb the massive tide of pollution threatening our health. Our Home Safe Home guide will help you make choices that don't expose your family to toxic chemicals or harm the environment." I have been able to get this guide in hard copy as an 11x17 folded newsletter format. -- barb http://www.cleanwaterfund.org/SafeHome.htm   The indoor air we breathe: a public health problem of the 90's Public Health Reports; Sept-Oct 1998 http://www.eisc.ca/air-we-breth.htm National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Common Indoor Air Pollutants Includes fragrances and pesticides! -- barb http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/faq/indoor.htm   NO SCENTS IS GOOD SENSE By Brenda Marsh; From the January/February, 1998, issue of OHS Canada -- Canada¼s Ocupational Health and Safety Magazine http://www.ohscanada.com/virtual-issue/artucle/health.html   No Scents Makes Sense Taking the Scents out of Sensitive http://www.edu.pe.ca/montaguehigh/scents.htm   Joan LaCroix's Buttons, Caps, Shirts -- Make everyday Earthday -- order yours now! Joan's buttons are available through EHN's Book order page for $3.50 plus $1 shipping -- for more information, please visit: http://ehnca.org/www/books/bookordr.htm Create An Awareness: Our planet wears a gas mask! (reprinted from The New Reactor) http://ehnca.org/www/joan/tshirts.htm North Carolina Chemical Injury Network brings you more of Joan's items http://www.ncchem.com/multiple.htm Real Estate & MCS See EHN's links out to information on Housing http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/h.htm#Housing Return to top The Word IS Out! This section of supportive information has grown so large, I've moved it to a page of its own. Please visit http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/wordout.htm -- barb Return to top   Write YOUR Government Officials Also see, EHN's Write Now! http://ehnca.org/www/ehnhompg/writenow.htm Executive Branch http://lcweb.loc.gov/global/executive/fed.html Representatives and Senators House Directory http://clerkweb.house.gov/mbrcmtee/mbrcmtee.htm Form for reaching your representative http://www.house.gov/writerep/ Representatives' web pages http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html U.S. Senate http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index.cfm