|
 Dear
Medical Provider,
We would like to tell you
about a growing problem for millions of Americans
who report allergic, immunological, 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 medical
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
medical facilities! In order to be a part of this
campaign, please join us in these steps towards cleaner
indoor air. Many medical 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 for Staff- Inform the staff
that they are not to wear perfume, cologne and
other perfumed products such as lotions and hair
sprays, as well highly fragranced deodorants and
personal care items.
2)
Policy (or Request) for Patients- Ask patients
not to wear perfume during their visit. Simply notify
them at the time of their appointment and/or in your new
patient packet. Also provide flyers and/or pamphlets and
post signs at the entrance of your office. You can
choose to have an Enforced Policy in which patients
wearing perfume to an appointment will be asked to
reschedule and return with out. Or you can choose a
Request Policy in which the patient arriving with
perfume will be able to keep their appointment, but will
be asked not to wear it next time. If possible, you can
have them wait in another area. Surprisingly, many
offices are using the Enforced Policy. They report that
their patients are thrilled and their practices are
thriving.
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 patients and post a sign on the door when you use
paint, stains, pesticides, new carpet, etc.
Thank you for your time and concern,
The CIA
Campaign
www.CleanerIndoorAir.org
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. |
