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A CALL TO RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space for Attenders
Sensitive to Fragrance Chemicals
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Religious
communities of their essence are devoted to the principle of loving and caring
for the neighbor.
This should
certainly include making services and events accessible to all who wish to
participate!
This flyer
draws attention to an accessibility concern of which many are unaware - the
wearing or use of fragranced products in places of worship.
What
is the problem with wearing fragranced products?
Most
scented products contain chemicals that constantly vaporize into the air and
attach themselves to hair, clothing, and surroundings of anyone who wears
them. The problem is not so much the
smell itself as the chemicals that enhance or disperse the smell. Scents are often the flag that such
chemicals are present. There can be as
many as 500 chemicals in perfume, for example.
Even wearing “just a little” can have a profound negative impact on
someone nearby.
Most people are unaware that the term “fragrance” in commonly used personal care products refers to any of hundreds of synthetic chemicals, usually derived from petroleum. In one study, every sample of a fragrance product tested contained toluene, a solvent also found in paint thinner. These chemicals are not tested by any government agency, in fact the exact ingredients in these products are “trade secrets”, and need not be disclosed to anyone. However, independent research has shown that many of the chemicals in “fragrance” are known, possible or probable carcinogens, endocrine disrupters, or triggers of other health problems. People with asthma are especially at risk because fragrance can trigger an asthma attack in as many as 74% of asthmatics. Those with heart or lung conditions may also be affected, and others just have a sensitivity to fragrance chemicals that results in unpleasant and unhealthy reactions.
What
kind of reactions might people have?
Skin, eye, and respiratory irritations, damage to the nervous system, allergy symptoms (sneezing, coughing, watery eyes), asthma attacks, headaches, dizziness or nausea, trouble concentrating, sudden mood changes, muscle cramping, or even seizures or loss of consciousness. (Those with asthma could go into anaphalactic shock from a serious reaction). For people who have experienced these symptoms scents can create extreme anxiety. Moreover, use of many cosmetic/personal care products with their untested ingredients and endocrine disruptors interferes with reproductive functions and would be dangerous to pregnant women as well.
A
new perspective?
Most people are used to wearing and using scented products and may be challenged by the idea of changing their habits. Please consider that the chemicals in some scented products may cause serious problems for some even though the scents weren’t intended to harm anyone. In fact, the risk of exposure to fragrance prevents many sensitive people from even attempting to attend a service. You yourself or someone in your family may have some chronic problems that are actually caused by scented products you routinely use, without realizing the connection. Or you may develop such problems eventually after prolonged exposure
What
can I do?
Do
your best to avoid the use of scented products. Read labels and avoid those with the term, “fragrance” in the
ingredients list. If you don’t have a
fragrance-free alternative, avoid the use of a product before attending worship
- for example, you don’t need to shampoo your hair, apply lotion or even use
deodorant for this one occasion. (If it
is really a hot day, you could apply baking soda in place of the latter). SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
“FRAGRANCE-FREE” SECTION IN YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP!
EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE RISKS OF FRAGRANCE AND ON HEALTHIER
ALTERNATIVES
Contact
Liberty Goodwin, Director, Toxics Information Project (TIP), 401-351-9193,
E-Mail: liberty@toxicsinfo.org for
more information. Or visit the TIP
website: www.toxicsinfo.org