|
 Dear
Church Staff,
We would like to tell you
about a growing problem for millions of Americans
who report allergic, immunologic, asthmatic and/or
neurological reactions to chemicals and/or synthetic fragrances.
Because of this, we would like to ask you to join our
campaign for Cleaner Indoor Air, by adopting a
simple policy that helps millions who experience various
consequences when exposed to these substances. .
For many people, breathing in fragrances from perfumes,
colognes, fragranced personal care items, candles, air
fresheners and/or cleaning supplies can just be a little
annoying, “…but for a growing number of others, these
smells, called ‘emissions of volatile organic
compounds,’ can be a form of torment that throws their
bodies into reactive overdrive. One whiff of a chemical
cocktail...can result in a vast array of debilitating
symptoms” (Ephraim).
It has been
reported that exposure to fragrances can exacerbate
several health conditions (Pitts). “By design,
fragrances are composed of materials that quickly get
into the air. Once in the air, these materials pose
serious health concerns for many with asthma, allergies,
migraines, chronic lung disease, and other health
conditions” (FPINVA).
Surprisingly,
this may include millions of people. For example,
although not all with allergies report difficulties with
perfumes and fragrances, “As many as 50 million people
in the United States suffer from allergic disease” (AAAAI).
In addition, “In 1998, it was estimated that 26.3
million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma in
their lifetime” (ALA of Texas). Asthma is a serious
respiratory disorder that can constrict and cause
swelling of the airways. “The Institute of Medicine
placed fragrance in the same category as second hand
smoke in triggering asthma in adults and school age
children” (FPINVA). What’s more, “Up to 72% of
asthmatics report their asthma is triggered by
fragrance. Asthmatics and others that are negatively
impacted by fragrance often have difficulties working,
obtaining medical care, and going about activities of
daily living because of others' use of scented products”
(FPINVA).
Furthermore,
“Approximately 12.6% of the population suffers from
multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a condition in
which they experience reactions from exposure to low
concentrations of common chemicals…” (Adams). MCS is
“…marked by multiple symptoms in multiple
organ systems (usually the neurological, immune,
respiratory, skin, ‘GI,’ and/or musculoskeletal) that
recur chronic-ally in response to multiple chemical
exposures. MCS Symptoms commonly include difficulty
breathing, sleeping and/or concentrating, memory loss,
migraines, nausea, abdominal pain, chronic fatigue,
aching joints and muscles, and irritated eyes, nose,
ears, throat and/or skin. In addition, some with MCS
show impaired balance and increased sensitivity not just
to odors but also to loud noises, bright lights, touch,
extremes of heat and cold, and electromagnetic fields” (MCRR).
Overall, reactions to toxic substances can be quite
serious for many, leaving them unable to go shopping, to
a doctor’s office, to church or to work without risking
an exposure. It is estimated that “…more than 5.2
million [with MCS] may lose jobs as a result” (Adams).
Unfortunately, many become isolated from friends and
family, disabled or homebound, because of their
reactions to chemicals in our environment.
Due to the
millions of Americans who report mild to severe
reactions perfumes, colognes and chemical fragrances,
The CIA Campaign strives to educate various
facilities on creating a less threatening environment for this
growing number of people. True, we may not be able to
protect them from every possible harm, nor can we
guarantee that our actions will provide a fool-proof
environment. However, if we all do our part, we can make
a huge difference by offering a more favorable
haven.
That is why we
would like to ask you to join us in our pursuit to bring
down some of the invisible barriers that can fortress
our churches! In order to be a part of this
campaign, please join us in these steps towards cleaner
indoor air. Various facilities around the world
have already put these policies into place and are
enjoying the benefits of a more comfortable office for
themselves and their patients.
1)
No Perfume Policy or Request Ask your staff and
members not to wear perfume or cologne to the
services and activities. This can be done by making
regular
announcements, posting notices in bulletins and hanging
signs.
2)
Add a Fragrance Free Zone Once you have requested
your staff and members do not wear these items, adding a FF Section
will help this group have an even safer place to sit without
worry that a visitor who is wearing it will sit next to them. The
FF Section will also restrict other synthetically fragranced
products such as
lotions, hair sprays, dryer sheets, deodorants and
talcum powder, as well as smoke.
Please note that this section will not be sufficient
unless the majority of members stop using perfume
and cologne, because the fragrance will permeate the rooms,
halls and this section. If you cannot get the fragrance
down to a tolerable level for those who have reactions,
please consider developing a room with windows looking
into the sanctuary that is "clean" and free of VOC's,
stains, paints, new carpet, fragrance, cleaning
products, etc. The drawback of not getting the
congregation to cease the use of perfume and cologne is
that it creates division in the body and blocks access
for these members to hallways, classrooms and fellowship
with other members.
3)
Cleaning and Other Products-
Exclude or limit the
use of cleaning products, paints, stains, glues,
pesticides, etc. that contain chemicals and/or synthetic
fragrances. Instead, choose environmentally friendly,
hypoallergenic products and no VOC products, as well as
fragrance-free or natural soaps. Use
air
purifiers and exhaust fans that do not disperse chemical
fragrances into the air in your restrooms.
Notify employees and post a sign on the door when you
use paint, stains, pesticides, new carpet, etc.
Thank you for your time and concern,
CIA
Campaign Advocate
contact@ cleanerindoorair.org
Be a CIA Supporter or Sponsor!
Give $100.00 or more a year and we will place your name
on our Supporters Page! Give$500.00 or more a year and
we will add your logo, name and address of your facility
and a link to your website on our Sponsors Page! Give
$1,000.00 or more a year and we will add your
information to both the CIA website, as well as to The
Invisible Disabilities Advocate site. See website for
details.
References:
▪ Adams, Brandon (September 2003). “More than 12%
of the Populations Reports Extreme Sensitivity to Low
Levels of Common Chemicals.” Journal of Environmental
Health Perspectives (EHP).
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/press/12pop.html ▪
American Academy of Allergy & Immunity (Spring 2002).
“The Impact of Allergies.” Spring Allergies & Asthma
Survival Guide. www.aaaai.org ▪ American
Lung Association of Texas (July 2005). “Asthma in Adults
Fact Sheet.” Asthma & Allergy. www.lungusa.org ▪
Ephraim, Rebecca (April 2002). “Smells Can Make You
Sick.” www.consciouschoice.com ▪ Fragranced
Products Information Network. “Fragrances by Design.”
www.fpinva.org ▪ MCS Referral and Resources
(2000). “Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome- Fact
Sheet.” www.mcsrr.org ▪ Pitts, Connie (2003).
Get a Whiff of This: Perfumes (fragrances) – The
Invisible Chemical Poisons (Bloomington, IN:1stBooks).
Disclaimer:
Although some parties in the medical community remain
skeptical of the cause-and-effect relationship between
scents and physical reactions, many have concluded
otherwise. We respect the individuals who report
symptoms related to these issues. However, we are not
making any medical claims in our attempt to assist this
group. Please seek the advice of a health professional. |
