The fragrance industry is UNregulated and
further protected by trade secret laws
and fragmentation of the little government authority that is claimed.

FDA Petition 99P-1340 Analyses, Complementary, Contact Information and Sample E-mail and letters plus SNIFF, too 9/29/03: The FDA has officially begun "Preliminary scientific reviews of the petition." Write your letter, email or fax to the FDA before it is too late. CITIZENS' petition, Docket Number: 99P-1340, was filed on behalf of everyone who feels We The People have a RIGHT TO KNOW about the superfluous toxins in our synthetic fragrances. All YOU have to do is write to the FDA about your adverse reactions -- first-, second or thirdhand -- to synthetic scents. If you've yet to suffer adverse effects, but just want effective labeling, please also write to the FDA. In any case you must reference Docket Number: 99P-1340. September 2003: EHN has no idea when the FDA will close the petition, but it may be soon now. Please write your letter, note or email to the FDA as soon as possible about your -- or your children's, or your elderly parents' -- negative reactions to synthetic fragrances. Do not include social security numbers or other such identifying info. The FDA has written to EHN stating that they have not closed this docket number, and they are continuing to accept letters and supplemental materials. The FDA contact information for this petition is in the middle part of this panel. All letters supporting EHN's petition to require warning labels on fragrance products must contain: Docket Number: 99P-1340. The docket number identifies the FDA petition to declare Calvin Klein's Eternity eau de parfum "misbranded." If the FDA rules favorably on this petition, then it stands to reason that all synthetic scents released to market without substantiation of safety will also have to carry the FDA's required warning label. It is unlikely that the FDA will move on this topic UNLESS it hears from several hundred thousand people. Remember the USDA and ORGANICS. Let the FDA hear from YOU . . . and please, spread this information far and wide. Analyses FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm#Analyses Background information, including Cosmetic Handbook regulations Petition Index Product Label FDApetition/eterbkpg.htm Sample letter FDApetition/sampletr.htm#Sample    Letters to FDA and other information    Letters of support appearing on EHN's site FDApetition/letindex.htm    Search the FDA's Daily Log for 99P-1340    http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dailys/dailys05.htm    1,377 Comments received by the FDA    as of May 9, 2003 -- letters by year    FDApetition/letinfda.htm Media Covering FDA Citizens' Petition 99P-1340 Select just one method of communication with the FDA. Please make sure your constituents realize that their comments are in the public docket, including their names and addresses. They may even be posted to the web. Also, please ask them to put the docket number in the subject line of their e-mails as this will help us file it in the proper docket. Thanks. Jennie Butler Director, Division of Dockets Management YOUR letters or notes supporting 99P-1340 may be e-mailed, faxed or mailed to the FDA, but please, choose just one method to inform the FDA. You may write many times over. Email Address -- fdadockets@oc.fda.gov FAX Number -- 301.827.6870 Letters may be mailed to: Division of Dockets Management Food and Drug Administration Department of Health and Human Services 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061 Rockville, MD 20852 Return to top Correspondence from the FDA: May 11, 1999: FDA's acknowledging letter (via The Wayback Machine) -- http://web.archive.org/web/20000901221329/ http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dailys/051199/ack0001.pdf November 30, 1999 -- EHN has been informed that the petition is OPEN and accepting letters and documentation supporting your claims that synthetic fragrances adversely affect your health, the health of your children, or the health of your elderly parents. The FDA responded to EHN in a little over its required response time of 180 days from receipt of petition (May 11, 1999). Inquiries as to FDA progress on EHN's petition: Subject: Docket Number: 99P-1340 Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2000 14:09:32 -0400 At this time your petition is still open and is receiving comments. Jennie Butler January 2001 -- another check with FDA and the petition is still open. -- barb February 2002 -- the petition is still open and accepting letters and documentation. -- barb September 29, 2003 -- The FDA has officially begun "Preliminary scientific reviews of the petition." October 24, 2003 -- Phthalates are added to California's Prop. 65 list of chemicals. Phthalates were found in the analyses of the perfumes that form the basis of EHN'sFDA Petition 99P-1340. (OEHHA: http://www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/CRNR_notices/list_changes/6Ddehpnot.html.) With all the information recently made availab le on the reproductive toxicity of phthalates, one hopes the FDA will keep our future generations in mind as they review the combinations of toxic chemicals used to concoct fragrances we use on/in our bodies. The manufacture of fragrances changed during the past 30 years from largely plants and animal essences to those derived from petrochemicals. In the manufacture of fragrances, phthalates are commonly used to make the scent last. (In the manufacture of plastics, phthalates are used to soften.) While harmful effects of phthalates are gaining attention, they are not the only worrisome chemicals commonly used to make our modern scents -- as indicated by analysis. One should also look at the synthetic musks, which are found not only stored in mothers' breast tissue, but downstream in mother's milk. Musks are also found quite literally downstream where they adversely affect wildlife. And then, I'd like to see the coumarins thoroughly investigated. And, this, as the saying goes, is the tip of the iceberg. There are 3,000 to 5,000 inadequately tested chemicals in the industry's repertoire. I believe that the nformation available on the chemicals used to synthesize modern fragrances, plus record of the diseases and disabilities associated with fragrance sensitization at prmary and secondary levels of contact, warrants -- at a bare minimum -- the FDA's required message: "WARNING: The safety of this product has not been determined." Source: FDA http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-206.html. -- barb Caveat Emptor! Complementary information: Folks, I've put some of the information I've found to be most compelling here, in chronological order. I'd like to hear the excuses for why our government agencies, charged with protecting public health, have allowed the various facets of the chemical industry to continue using the population as unwitting guinea pigs. I cannot help but feel the "revolving door" 'twixt and 'tween industry and government plays an interesting role, but one not helpful to public health. -- barb 1977 . . . Doctoral Dissertation: THE COMPARATIVE RESPIRATORY IRRITATION POTENTIAL OF FOURTEEN FRAGRANCE RAW MATERIALS Unpublished report to RIFM. 1977 References: Troy W.R. (William Troy is gainfully employed by the fragrance industry.) Available for purchase through http://wwwlib.umi.com/dxweb/ You'll be taken through three pages where you enter obvious info and click "continue." When you reach the search page, key in the order number 7720819. Science. 1979 May 11;204(4393):633-5. Neurotoxic fragrance produces ceroid and myelin disease. Spencer PS, Sterman AB, Horoupian DS, Foulds MM. Acetyl ethyl tetramethyl tetralin (AETT), a component of soaps, deodorants, and cosmetics, produces hyperirritability and limb weakness in rats repeatedly exposed to the compound. Brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves are discolored blue, show progressive neuronal ceroid degeneration, and develop spectacular myelin bubbling. These neurotoxic properties of AETT provide the basis for industry's decision to withdraw the compound from consumer products. In addition, AETT offers the experimentalist a new probe to explore the etiology and pathogeneses of human ceroid and myelin diseases. PMID: 432669 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=432669&dopt=Abstract Sept. 16, 1986 -- Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace (Report by the Committee on Science and Technology to the U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986) [Report 99-827]. A few excerpts are keyed in at ehnlinx/n.htm#Neurotoxins Feb. 05, 1990: Neurotoxin Concerns, Controversy Escalate By Elizabeth Pennisi The Scientist 4[3]:1, Feb. 05, 1990 "Scientists are realizing that substances in the environment can have devastating effects on the human nervous system" "... Those substances are everywhere: organic solvents in the workplace, chemicals in perfumes, pesticides used on lawns, natural and added chemicals in foods, or prescribed or illegal drugs. The brain is the body's kingpyn organ; yet, once damaged or destroyed, nerve cells cannot be replaced. Already, the congressional Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) estimates that the care and treatment of neurological disorders and accompanying loss of productivity can cost the U.S. as much as $300 billion a year. No one knows how much neurotoxins contribute to that cost. The longer we live, the more evident the damage, and the more burdened the health care system will become to people with behavioral, mental, and neurological problems. "The measure of the problem is huge," says Spencer. {Peter Spencer, director and senior scientist at the Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology at the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland} ..." http://www.the-scientist.com/yr1990/feb/pennisi_p1_900205.html September 1994: MCS: A Sensitive Issue Environmental Health Perspectives, Volume 102, Number 9 Perfume and effects are included in the discussion. -- barb http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/1994/102-9/focus1.html Printable: http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/cgi-bin/simpleprint.pl July 20, 1995: "Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS): What It Is, What It Is Not, And How It Is Manifested" By Shelia Bastien, PhD; © Contains information on perfumes. By the way, I went from increasing sensitization to perfumed products into MCS. I didn't go gently. I struggled for 20 years to educate, while trying to protect my health to the extent possible in a highly perfume polluted workplace -- barb " ... Claudia Miller points out that many of the patients often attribute the onset of their illness to specific exposures (Vol. 10) such as repeated exposures to solvents, chemical, pesticides in sick buildings, or combustion products. " Patients report more problems and greater difficulties indoors where air fresheners, perfumes, and cleaners are used and where there are such things as particle board and carpets which outgas. The outgassing releases VOC compounds (Toxicology and Industrial Health, page 257). " These patients are often funneled off to psychiatrists and psychologists by physicians who are not familiar with MCS. "From the patient's perspective, they have lost their health, their livelihood, their friends and sometimes even family. Individuals with professional careers are likely to view their cognitive difficulties as most disabling," Dr. Miller added. They are often mislabeled as malingerers or given a psychiatric diagnosis. ... " newreact/sbastien.htm January 1997 -- The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Fragrance products and pesticides are recognized as Common Indoor Air Pollutants http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/faq/indoor.htm March-April, 1998: "Acute toxic effects of fragrance products." By Rosalind C. Anderson, Julius H. Anderson, Anderson Laboratories Archives of Environmental Health http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9577937&dopt=Abstract http://static.highbeam.com/a/archivesofenvironmentalhealth/march011998/acutetoxiceffectsoffragranceproducts/ March 24, 1999 . . . Toledo Blade Synthetic musk linked to environmental risks BY MICHAEL WOODS; BLADE SCIENCE EDITOR [Excerpted] "ANAHEIM, Calif. - Synthetic fragrances used in perfumes, soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, cosmetics, and scores of other consumer products have become a new and unexpected group of environmental contaminants, scientists said. "The chemicals are accumulating in human fat tissue, blood, breast milk, drinking water supplies, lakes and streams, fish and wildlife, and elsewhere in the environment, according to scientists interviewed here. They are presenting scientific reports at a national meeting of the American Chemical Society. " 'I think there is reason for public concern about possible effects of these fragrances,' said Dr. Sebastian Kevekordes of the University of Gottingen in Germany. "One compound, musk xylene, has carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, effects in laboratory mice, Dr. Kevekordes said. Another, musk ketone, damages genes in animal experiments and has other worrisome effects. "Many of the studies identifying synthetic musk compounds in human tissue and the environment have been done in Europe and Japan. Dr. Kevekordes said that synthetic musks are used just as widely, or more so, in the United States, where fragrances have been used even in trash bags and product packaging. ..." May 1999 -- EHN filed this Petition, 99P-1340, with FDA. Analyses of perfumes FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm#Analyses Safe Notification and Information For Fragrances act (SNIFF) September 21, 2000 -- SNIFF (Safe Notification and Information For Fragrances act): Thanks to efforts of her constituent, Lynn Lawson, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D IL) introduced SNIFF in the 106th Congress, 2d Session, bill number: H. R. 5238; Co-sponsor: Rep Shelley Berkley. May 22, 2001: SNIFF -- Reintroduced by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D IL) for herself and Ms. Berkley in the 107th Congress, bill number: H. R. 1947; Co-sponsor: Rep Fattah, Chaka - 7/18/2001 [PA-2] September 14, 2001 -- Occupational Acute Anaphylactic Reaction to Assault by Perfume Spray in the Face by James E. Lessenger, MD, From a private practice. [J Am Board Fam Pract 14(2):137-140, 2001. Đ 2001 American Board of Family Practice] http://www.familypractice.com/references/referencesframe.htm?main=/journal/2001/v14.n02/1402.07/art-1402.07.htm 2001 - 2003 . . . Date unknown, but based on work Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project, the US Department of the Interior has laid guidelines for "green" cleaning in its "Guidance and Training on Greening Your Janitorial Business," CHAPTER 2: Traditional Versus "Green" Cleaning Products Excerpted from "Green products" -- "Must not contain any carcinogens, mutagens, or teratogens designated by federal law." "Must not contain any ozone-depleting compounds, greenhouse gases, or substances that contribute to photochemical smog and poor indoor air quality." ... Also, "Must not contain petrochemical-derived fragrances." [Emphasis added.] http://www.doi.gov/greening/sustain/trad.html Feb. 6, 2002 -- "Scents and sensitivities What to know before buying a Valentine's Day perfume" By Francesca Lyman; MSNBC CONTRIBUTOR And, I might add, Mother's Day or Father's Day perfume, et al. In this article, the industry admits it has begun the first study to test fragrances for effects upon inhalation and for systemic effects . . . as it also claims it always thoroughly tests before marketing. -- barb Mirrored by kind permission of Ms. Francesca Lyman and MSNBC FDApetition/flscents.htm Had been at: http://www.msnbc.com/news/702445.asp July 10, 2002 --Not Too Pretty A report on phthalates, including information about their effect on developing male fetuses. This is a MUST read. -- barb http://www.NotTooPretty.org Dec. 9, 2002 -- Sperm Damage Linked to Phthalate Used in Fragrances, New Study by Harvard Researchers Finds http://www.NotTooPretty.org/ms_en_spermdamage.htm Jan-Feb 2003 -- [US Access] Board to Undertake Project on Indoor Environmental Quality "The Access Board is an independent Federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. " http://www.access-board.gov/news/Access%20Currents/Jan-Feb03.htm#Board Note: Tue, 8 Apr 2003 -- Contract with NIBS has been signed for the IEQ (Indoor Environmental Quality) project. Feb. 12, 2003 -- "What the nose knows" By Francesca Lyman; MSNBC CONTRIBUTOR Still available 9/4/03 . . . get it while you can! MSNBC removes articles after some months.If the entire story doesn't come up, click on "Print" and it should appear in a separate window. -- barb http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3076635/ Also at: http://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/2003/Nose-Knows12feb03.htm Mar-Apr 2003 -- Breathing Better: Action Plans Keep Asthma in Check By Michelle Meadows; U.S. Food and Drug Administration; FDA Consumer magazine "...Common asthma triggers include dust, pollen, cockroaches, cold air, smoke, and other strong odors, such as paint, cleaning fluids, perfume, hair spray, and powder. ..." [emphasis added] http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2003/203_asthma.html April 7, 2003 -- Health Care Without Harm's The Issue You'll be able to click out to information on Cleaners and Disinfectants, Fragrances, Pesticides and Resources. All worth printing out and sharing with your doctor and healthcare facilities, schools, workplaces, places of worship, government entities, etc. -- barb http://www.noharm.org/pesticidesCleaners/issue September 7, 2003 -- New York Times WHAT THEY WERE THINKING Julianna Martin, 25, Syracuse, N.Y., Aug. 24, 2003 " 'I don't shop without my respirator on. I've got extreme hypersensitivity to everyday chemicals -- fragrance, perfume, shampoo, candles, cleaning products. It's hard to do anything.' ..." Story with picture: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/07/magazine/07WTWT.html Printer friendly: http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/07/magazine/07WTWT.html?pagewanted=print&position= I hope Julianna Martin knows about EHN's petition 99P-1340 and takes the time to write to the FDA. -- barb December 2003: SNIFF -- We are awaiting re-introduction of this bill into the 108th Congress; now it seems to be on hold for a bit longer. Follow its progress via THOMAS Legislative Information on the Internet at http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.html or by information on EHN's site under SNIFF. 2004 February 19, 2004 (last update) Sources of Indoor Air Pollution - Organic Gases (Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs) Excerpted: "Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored. "EPA's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) studies found levels of about a dozen common organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes than outside, regardless of whether the homes were located in rural or highly industrial areas. Additional TEAM studies indicate that while people are using products containing organic chemicals, they can expose themselves and others to very high pollutant levels, and elevated concentrations can persist in the air long after the activity is completed. "Sources "Household products including: paints, paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing." http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html The EPA mentions "cosmetic" in the first paragraph and "air fresheners" (what a misnomer that word is!) in the last paragraph, adroitly circumvented the word FRAGRANCE. Fragrances: the ubiquitous chemical pollutant affecting air, bodies of users and nonusers, land and water. Amazing how FRAGRANCE cannot say its name out loud. -- barb March 26, 2004 -- Environmental Working Group's Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Survey: Personal care products http://www.ewg.org/survey April 2004 -- Environmental Health Perspectives "Grand Rounds in Environmental Medicine: Information on MCS Needed" Excerpted from letter by Barb Wilkie in response to "Grand Rounds in Environmental Medicine: Cases from an Emerging Discipline, by Howard Hu (2003) [EHP]" " ... As Hu (2003) also noted, other factors are beginning to be accepted as environmental health hazards, such as cockroach allergen and violence. "Hu (2003) continues: " Some [Grand Rounds cases] pertain to illnesses arising from occupations that entail combinations of exposures that may have acted synergistically. Some arise out of new research on illnesses and exposures that had not previously been linked together, such as infant pulmonary hemorrhage/Stachybotrys mold and possible estuary-associated syndrome. Others explore illnesses that are still of uncertain etiology and biology, such as multiple chemical sensitivities. " I would be even more pleased if modern flavors and fragrances appeared in the list. I am often displeased to see articles in mainstream newspapers in which doctors advise patients with asthma to rid their homes of the "usual suspects"--cats, cockroaches, and dust and dust mites, sometimes including mouse feces and mold for good measure-- without mentioning the potential harm that fragrance chemicals can cause for people with asthma or other diseases exacerbated by fragrance products. ..." http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2004/112-5/correspondence.html April 2004 . . . AB 2025 (Chu) Remove Chemical Hazards from Cosmetics http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_2001-2050/ab_2025_bill_20040415_amended_asm.html Alas, withdrawn because Chairwoman of the Health Committee, Rebecca Cohn, refused support. If you wish to thank Assemblymember Chu for her efforts, and encourage her to revisit this much needed endeavor, please write to her via her contact page at http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a49/contacts.htm or by mail at: Capitol Office State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0049 Phone: 916-319-2049 FAX: 916-319-2149 April 2004 -- Anderson Laboratories makes available a brochure in text format. "Perfumes and Asthma - donžt mix" was a collaborative effort by: Julius H. Anderson, M.D.Ph.D.(ALI); Betty Bridges, R.N.(FPIN); Lynn Lawson, M.A. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, & Chemical Sensitivity Coalition of Chicago). Lawrence A Plumlee, M.D. (Chemical Sensitivity Disorders Association); and Barbara Wilkie (EHN). May 2004 -- Air-fresheners cause a stink Fears raised as plug-ins linked to cancer compounds. Mark Peplow Đ Nature News Service / Macmillan Magazines Ltd 2004 "A potentially harmful smog can form inside homes through reactions between air-fresheners and ozone, say researchers at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The reactions generate formaldehyde, classed as a probable carcinogen, and related compounds that many experts believe are responsible for respiratory problems. "The researchers studied the reactions between ozone gas and fragrance molecules such as pinene and limonene, which are emitted by air-fresheners that plug into electrical outlets. Ozone, produced at ground level when vehicle exhaust emissions react with sunlight, is a common urban pollutant, and environmental bodies have set limits on outdoor levels of it. ..." A HREF="http://www.nature.com/nsu/nsu_pf/040503/040503-11.html">http://www.nature.com/nsu/nsu_pf/040503/040503-11.html June 2004 -- The Honorable Judy Chu P.O. Box 942849, Room 2148 Sacramento, CA 94249-000 California AB 2012 -- June 18, 2004; pending legislation The following quotes from letter of support by the National Environmental Trust. „AB 2012 for the first time requires full content disclosure of ingredients in common personal care products, giving California consumers the ability to make more informed choices about the cosmetics they purchase. The bill also prohibits the use of the hazardous coal tar and phthalates. „ While AB 2012 doesnžt deal specifically with the topic of fragrance pollution, it does talk to phthalates, which are commonly added to fragrances to make the scent last. „Not only do women of child bearing age frequently use products containing such chemicals, they also transfer many of these chemicals across the placental cord to the developing fetus. „ Alas, defeated in August 2004 because of strong chemical and fragrance industry pressure . . . and walking Democrats. -- barb June 14, 2004 -- Environmental Working Group's investigation: A safety assessment of ingredients in personal care products . . . Fragrances < A HREF="http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/report/allergies.php">http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/report/allergies.php "... Based on their experience in treating people sensitized to cosmetics, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that sensitized patients use only fragrance-free products, and avoid all perfumes, colognes, after-shaves, fingernail care products, and hair spray (AAD 2000). ..." The Petition begins at http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/petition/index.php EWG files petition with FDA: SKIN DEEP -- June 4, 2004 I'd add: . . . And BEYOND!, for these chemicals go into your body via absorption and inhalation. Fragrances adversely affect user and nonuser, who really is an nonconsenting secondhand user. -- barb http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/report/executive_summary.php Printer friendly Return to top of page Over a thousand Comments received by the FDA about Docket 99P-1340 since it was accepted on May 11, 1999 For letters appearing on EHN's site (with permission), please visit FDApetition/letindex.htm As of JMay 15, 2003, I've found a count of 114 ECs, 444 EMCs and 754 comments (C), at least five batches of form letters were sent in, but each batch counted as one entry (total count: 70; adjusted: 65). My calculations bring us to a total of 1377 comments via mail or electronic format sent to the FDA since May 1999 regarding Docket Number 99P -1340. Some people have granted permission to post their letters on EHN's site, and you'll find those by visiting FDApetition/letindex.htm. Compared with the USDA receiving over 200,000 letters regarding their planned manipulation of organic standards, 1353 letters seems a rather puny number. But if you take into account that it has been reported in the New York Times that 100 letters on a topic is a lot for the FDA to receive, 1353 letters is a large number. Just think, this petition, which has been ignored by most mainstream media, has generated letters averaging 436 letters A YEAR. And yet, the FDA believes the harmful effects suffered by people of all ages,races and genders as a result of the chemicals, including phthalates, coumarin and musks, used to concoct synthetic fragrances are "not considered a priority." ("Scents and sensitivities" by Francesca Lyman, 02/06/02, FDApetition/flscents.htm . . . formerly on MSNBC at http://www.msnbc.com/news/702445.asp.) It seems to follow that if our concern were something other than the harmful effects of synthetic scents, this many letters sent to the FDA would surely make it into the New York Times. It hasn't. Therefore, YOU must help us spread the word. Lest you think I'm exaggerating, take a moment to read "Time to Review Your Cosmetics, Under Bright Light," By JANE E. BRODY; May 22, 2001; PERSONAL HEALTH, New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/22/health/22BROD.html In the article, Brody writes: " ... As of July 1997, the Food and Drug Administration reports on its new Web site (vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-toc.html), the agency had received about 100 reports of adverse reactions to products containing A.H.A. The reactions ranged from mild irritation and stinging to blistering and burns. "Although 100 reports may not sound like much, you can be sure they represent the very tip of a large iceberg since fewer than 1 percent of problems involving such over-the-counter products are ever reported to the agency. The agency estimates that it receives only one in 50 reports of cosmetic-related complaints made to the industry. ..." Remember the industry is NOT regulated by the FDA .. . it is self-regulated through its Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). It states: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) was established in 1976 by the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association (CTFA) with support of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America. Although funded by CTFA, CIR and the review process are independent from CTFA and the cosmetics industry. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review thoroughly reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics in an open, unbiased, and expert manner, and publishes the results in the open, peer-reviewed scientific literature. http://www.cir-safety.org/ The analyses, which are part of the FDA Petition, suggest that not enough information is known about individual chemicals used to make fragrances. There is no indication that the industry thoroughly tests chemicals used individually, let alone as combined to manufacture a scent. The industry claims it has only begun to study fragrances for effects upon inhalation, yet these products are made to be inhaled (smelled).** I've yet to see results of industry studies of fragrances for neurotoxicity, yet that was the suggestion made by the National Academy of Sciences before the 99th Congress, way back in September 1986. And, where pray tell are the reports on studies of systemic or long-term effects of fragrance chemicals? Fragrances enter the body through inhalation, via absorption and enter the brain directly (ehnlinx/b.htm#Brain). Fragrance chemicals include known sensitizers and irritants, as well as known or suspected carcinogens, neurotoxins and teratogens. Some of the fragrance chemicals are known or suspected hormone disrupters, some bio-accumulate and some have synergistic effects. A common fragrance chemical is coumarin. What effect does this chemical, which quickly enters the body, have on developing embryos and fetuses? We know that pregnant women cannot use Coumarin for its anticoagulant properties during pregnancy, but does anyone give a hoot about Coumarin in perfume and its possible effects? (See Coumarin at ehnlinx/c.htm#Coumarin) To me, it seems to follow that if one recognizes the neurotoxicity properties of fragrance chemicals, then one would wonder about their effects on our infants and children. Do synthetic scents play a role in premature death and in the skyrocketing "unexplained" rates of ADD and Autism? It seems to me that until we look mighty closely at the chemicals -- and ALL of their effects -- which we find in our commonly used synthetically scented products, we cannot dismiss fragrances as benign. Until the industry and the FDA do their duty by the public, making certain that we have safe products prove safe for the youngest, the oldest and the already ill among us, we should take heed of that sage advice: Caveat Emptor! We need better information from the fragrance industry and an FDA interested in carrying out its mission to protect public health. Tell your friends and write your newspapers about this formal petition, which allows the pubic to speak its voice. If enough of us write, we will be heard. -- barb **Scents and sensitivities What to know before buying a Valentinežs Day perfume By Francesca Lyman; Feb. 6, 2002; MSNBC CONTRIBUTOR And, I might add, Mother's Day or Father's Day perfume, et al. In this article, the industry admits it has begun the first study to test fragrances for effects upon inhalation and for systemic effects . . . and it also claims it always thoroughly tests before marketing. I smell a hint of duplicity in the air. -- barb Mirrored through the kind permission of Ms. Francesca Lyman and MSNBC FDApetition/flscents.htm Formerly on MSNBC at http://www.msnbc.com/news/702445.asp You may be interested in also checking out, Letters logged on FDA's Daily Dockets FDApetition/letinfda.htm Letters Supporting the Petition on EHN's site -- FDApetition/letindex.htm Justice For All Alerts Wachsler: Support the Rights of People with Environmental Disabities! http://www.jfanow.org/cgi/getli.pl?843 Covering the FDA Petition Newsletters, online magazines and online news covering petition CanaryNews and Our Toxic Times FDApetition/newscov.htm David Lawrence Dewey author/syndicated columnist So You Smell Good Using Perfumes and Colognes However... You Could Be Giving Yourself Cancer and God Knows What Else! 7-24-99 Slowly scroll through this page and you'll learn a lot of valuable information. If you want to quickly get to the article on perfume and the FDA Petition, use your find command, keying in "Eternity." -- barb http://www.dldewey.com/chealth.htm Colognes - Perfumes - Pesticides Are They Slowly Killing You? October 7th, 1999 http://www.dldewey.com/perfume.htm Environment News Service (ENS) 2002 Labeling Cosmetics May Help Prevent Cancers "CHICAGO, Illinois, August 15, 2002 (ENS) - It's a right to know issue. Women who are sensitive to chemicals should have the benefit of warning labels on their cosmetics identifying those chemicals, say six environmental groups and Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition. "One of the groups, the Environmental Health Network of California, is petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asking for warning labels on cosmetics to identify allergens and hazardous substances contained in the hair spray, deodorant, nail polish and perfume that many women use every day. ..." http://ens-news.com/ens/aug2002/2002-08-15-01.asp MSNBC Scents and sensitivities What to know before buying a Valentinežs Day perfume By Francesca Lyman; MSNBC CONTRIBUTOR; Feb. 6, 2002 Mirrored through kind permission of Ms. Francesca Lyman and MSNBC FDApetition/flscents.htm Formerly on MSNBC at http://www.msnbc.com/news/702445.asp The New Reactor; May-June 1999 issue; EHN's newsletter Available hard copy only, but of course, you are at the site of the petition online. -- barb newreact/ehnnr.html WSFA Some say a popular perfume is a health danger!! Includes interview of Judith Sanderson, Teacher, Culver City High and this statement: "After contacting Calvin Klein for a response to the petition that the group filled with the FDA the company had this statement: "All of Calvin Klein's products meet or exceed the requirement of the Federal Public Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act." http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?s=58076 Dr. Jacob Offenberger Quoted from Some say a popular perfume is a health danger!!, above: "Dr. Jacob Offenberger is an Allergist; 'No manufacturer would like to sell any product that has real toxins in it or real irritants in it because it won't sell.' Dr. Jacob Offenberger is spokesperson for the Asthma Foundation of America. " What? Dr. Offenberger hasn't heard of the tobacco industry? On his own website Dr. Offenberger states ... "The worst disease in the world is ignorance. Anything that can alleviate ignorance will contribute to the wellness of society." -Jacob Offenberger, MD. (Go to About Dr. Offenberger.) http://www.asthmadoc.com/ Petition Press Releases Perfume: Cupid's Arrow or Poison Dart? Released by EHN jointly with Dr. Epstein, Cancer Prevention Coalition; 2-7-00 PressReleases/fragfda3.htm Hundreds of Consumers Ask FDA to Put Warning Labels on ETERNITY Perfume -- EHN Finds Hazardous Chemicals in Designer Fragrance; Aug. 18, 1999 PressReleases/fragfda2.htm WARNING ALL MOMS: TOXIC CHEMICALS FOUND IN DESIGNER FRAGRANCE; May 6, 1999 PressReleases/fragmisb.htm Summary of Regulatory Requirements for Labeling of Cosmetics Marketed in the United States http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-lab1.html#summary Why Petition the FDA? Comments by Betty Bridges, RN and Barb Wilkie FDApetition/whyfda.htm WRITE the FDA -- includes SAMPLE LETTER - contains contact information and sample letter. Letters do not have to be long. But, please, WRITE! Please print out this information and share with others who may not have online access. Thank you. FDApetition/sampletr.htm How to Submit Your Comments to the FDA FDApetition/fdacommu.htm Copy your Congressmembers and Senators Senate: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Congress: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/ Note: EHN and Fragranced Products Information Network (FPIN) are mirroring the FDA petition. http://www.fpinva.org/petition99P1340.htm Also visit FPIN for well-researched information about fragrance chemicals. Caveat Emptor! Additional supporting information 1986: The National Academy of Sciences targeted fragrances as one of the six categories of chemicals that should be given high priority for neurotoxicity testing. Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace (Report by the Committee on Science and Technology. U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986) [Report 99-827] ehnmsofs.htm#National 1991 EPA report: Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments Thanks to Jacki . . . -- barb http://www.ourlittleplace.com/epa.html 1992 EPA report Polar Organic Compounds in Fragrances of Consumer Products, Final Report Thanks to Betty . . . -- barb http://www.ameliaww.com/fpin/fragrance_rti4948.htm May 1999 EHN's Citizens' Petition of FDA EHN entreats the FDA to follow its regulations already in place to require warning labels on fragrance products released to market without adequate testing of the fragrances and the individual chemicals from which the fragrances are synthesized. This page:FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm Also, visit EHN's General Links, pages F and P and click out to info on fragrances and perfumes F - ehnlinx/f.htm P - ehnlinx/p.htm July 2002 Not Too Pretty A report on phthalates, found through analysis, in fragrances and cosmetic products; includes information about phthalates effect on developing male fetuses. This is a MUST read. -- barb http://www.NotTooPretty.org Supporting groups: Coming Clean "Coming Clean was formed in early January 2001 to take advantage of the tremendous public education opportunity provided by the PBS broadcast of Trade Secrets: A Moyers Report." http://www.comeclean.org/homecc.htm EWG's (Environmental Working Group) Chemical Industry Archives http://chemicalindustryarchives.org/ Health Care Without Harm http://www.hcwh.org/ Science and Environmental Health Network "... SEHN is concerned with the wise application of science to the protection of the environment and public health. ..." http://www.sehn.org/ Adulterated cosmetics Search the United States Code - Office of the Law Revision Counsel Enter "21" in the title box and "361" in the section box and click search Then repeat, entering "362" in the section box to get to Sec. 361. Adulterated cosmetics http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm Around the World With Fragrance Sensitization A visit to EHN's International MCS links will give you a clue as to the breadth of this serious public health problem. Fragrance sensitization is taking its toll worldwide.-- barb ehnlinx/mcs.htm#International Cancer Prevention Coalition http://www.preventcancer.com Samuel S. Epstein, M.D Emeritus Professor of environmental medicine at the University of Illinois School of Public Health, and Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition. http://www.preventcancer.com/epstein.htm Cancer Prevention Alerts http://www.preventcancer.com/alerts/index.htm The Safe Shopper's Bible D. Steinman and S. S. Epstein. New York, September, 1995: MacMillan Publishing Company http://www.preventcancer.com/books/ssb.htm Cancer Research America, Inc. http://www.CancerResearchAmerica.org/ James Coleman, PhD Cosmetics Linked to the Causes of Breast Cancer and Fatal Breast Cancer http://www.CancerResearchAmerica.org/edu.html Cosmetics and Other Beauty Aid Products that Contain known Carcinogens in Relation to Breast Cancer http://www.CancerResearchAmerica.org/study.html Our Research Team http://www.CancerResearchAmerica.org/team.html Fragrance Products Information Network http://www.fpinva.org Betty Bridges, RN Can Fragrance Cause Asthma? http://www.fpinva.org/Editorials/editorials.cause.htm Fragrance: Emerging Health and Environmental Concerns (Review article accepted for publication in Flavours and Fragrance Journal) http://www.fpinva.org/FragranceReview.htm Properties of Raw Fragrance Materials "These are the characteristics of materials used in the formulation of fragranced products and flavors and not necessarily that of finished products. By Betty Bridges, RN http://www.ameliaww.com/fpin/FragMatTox.htm The Fragrant Door Perfume blisters a classroom door. Sprayed by students who were not in the classes of this teacher. What does it do to those who absorb it through their skin or eyes? And what does it do to those of us who have to breathe it even though our doctors tell us: "AVOID FRAGRANCES!"? I know the answer to my own rhetorical question!!! It makes us mighty sick, too often with death-defying events. -- barb ehnhompg/doorjudy.htm From Trade Secrets to Betty Bridges, RN MARCH 27, 2001: Link to site of Betty Bridges, RN from the Bill Moyers' special report:Trade Secrets Go to the drop down list and choose bathroom. Click on "fragrance," then read the info in the boxes and click out to Betty's site. Her new domain name is www.fpinva.org. -- barb http://www.pbs.org/tradesecrets/options/protecting.html Healthy Communications - Health, Awareness and Harmony Shelley Kramer Public Health and Cancer Prevention Educator Los Angeles Director of the Cancer Prevention Coalition 888 377 8877 310 457 5176 Fax 310 883 2082 email: helthcom@aol.com http://www.healthy-communications.com/ COSMETICS AND PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS POSE HIGHEST CANCER RISK TO GENERAL PUBLIC - HIGHER THAN SMOKING CIGARETTES http://www.healthy-communications.com/pr6-17-02-cosmeticchemicals.html Cancer Treatments, Preventions and Causes http://www.healthy-communications.com/pagecancer.html Cancer Shock in Cosmetics -- This News article appeared in the UTUSAN - Konsumer - newspaper article, published December 1998 Healthy Communications.com. http://www.healthy-communications.com/konsumer1.html Dr. Epstein's releases and quotes http://www.healthy-communications.com/epstein'spage.html THE FACTS... AND WHAT YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW ABOUT! What's Really In Your Personal Hygiene and Beauty Products? http://www.healthy-communications.com/yourrghttoknowtoo.html Icons - Or a picture IS worth a thousand words! FDApetition/iconsfis.htm Julia Kendall's Twenty Most Common Chemicals Found in Thirty-One Fragrance Products ehn20.htm The Work of Julia Kendall (1935 - 1997) ehnhompg/kendall.htm Perfumer's World Raw Materials of Perfumery http://www.perfumersworld.com/chems/material.htm Phthalates found in May 1999 FDA Petition, Docket Number 99P - 1340 ehnlinx/p.htm#Phthalates Prevalence of fragrance use - marketing Check the rates of asthma for people of all ages who are African-American and Hispanic, and for children across all cultures. Do you see the increased use of synthetically scented products for personal care and/or cleaning and maintenance correlating with the skyrocketing rates of asthma? How is it our experts continue to tell us the increased rates of asthma are "unexplained" when they never look at this correlation? LOOK at the chemicals used to make synthetic scents and the increase in asthma and other chronic illness should not be too hard to fathom. -- b arb African-American Women Business & Industry Database "Study finds African-American women as a group are more than twice as likely as women of other races to buy fragrances Original Title: Ethnic Fragrance Market Source: Chemical Marketing Reporter, VOL:251, ISS:22, PG:25, June 02, 1997. ISSN: 0090-0907 " http://chemweb.com/ Children 12/2/00 -- Now there's proof positive that our children are being targeted by the fragrance industry. See Fragrance Foundation's Events for 2000-2001. Scroll down to March 2001. This site is set up in frames. It is likely to beam up on, "Holiday '99: Malicious Lies & Tantalizing Truths - The Fragrance Foundation and the New York Times invite you to the first meeting of the New Millennium," so click on "Back to Events" and then click on "Fragrance Foundation's Events for 2000-2001." By the way, if you ever have wondered why the truth about the toxicity of fragrances is notreadily available through the mainstream media, this should give you a clue: TheNY Times joined The Fragrance Foundation in hosting "Malicious Lies..." "Malicious Lies:" Are they referring to the advertising? The REAL truth is far from tantalizing. For the REAL TRUTH, visit the Citizens' Petition currently before the US FDA -- this page! The Fragrance Foundation writes, in its Think Tank 2000 Series: "The first Think Tank of the series, ėGetting/Keeping the Teen Market," was held on September 29 at the new Conference Centre at The Fragrance Foundation. . . ." The Spring/Summer 2001 Trends Forecast NEW YORK í "If a guy tells you, you smell good í you are definitely going to wear that fragrance again* said Sarah, a New York City teenager and one of the teen panelists. Sarah was one of 5 teenage panelists to share quite candid remarks about fragrance, their preferences, and how it is marketed to them at The Fragrance Foundation's bi-annual Spring/Summer 2001 Trends Forecast Seminar." http://www.fragrance.org/cgi/fetch_outer_events.cgi?thing=1831359 Hispanic Women "Business & Industry Database "Survey finds US Hispanic women spend 43% more on fragrance products and 27% more on makeup than the average American woman Original Title: COSMETICS MAKERS TARGETING HISPANIC MARKET Source: Miami Herald (FL), PG:N/A, March 03, 1997. ISSN: 0898-865X Document Type: Regional NewspaperPublication Country: United States Language: EnglishRecord Type: Fulltext, Abstract Word Count: 849" http://chemweb.com/ Safe Notification and Information for Fragrances Act (SNIFF) HR 1947 in 107th Congress-- Introduced in House May 22, 2001 by Ms. Schakowsky (for herself, and Ms. Berkley (D NV)) ehnlinx/s.htm#SNIFF "Scents and sensitivities What to know before buying a Valentinežs Day perfume" By Francesca Lyman; Feb. 6, 2002; MSNBC CONTRIBUTOR And, I might add, Mother's Day or Father's Day perfume, et al. In this article, the industry admits it has begun the first study to test fragrances for effects upon inhalation and for systemic effects . . . as it also claims it always thoroughly tests before marketing. -- barb Mirrored through kind permission of Ms. Francesca Lyman and MSNBC FDApetition/flscents.htm Formerly on MSNBC at http://www.msnbc.com/news/702445.asp Janette D. Sherman, M.D. http://www.radiation.org/ Books by Dr. Sherman: Life's Delicate Balance - Causes and Prevention of Breast Cancer "[D]efines and documents known causes of breast cancer, and emphasizes the means of prevention. and CHEMICAL EXPOSURE AND DISEASE - The Professional and Layperson1s Guide to Understanding Cause and Effect "Chemical Exposure and Disease is a must for all activists, whether lay or professional, who want to prevent disease. " http://www.janettesherman.org/order.html Dr. Sherman's books also available from Safe2Use. -- barb http://www.safe2use.com/drsherman/about-author.htm Sierra Club's 98.12.01 Excessive Use of Fragrance Products in Public Places Protect America's Environment: For Our Families, For Our Future       Sierra Club's December 1998 Conservation Resolutions http://tamalpais.sierraclub.org/chapters/sanfranciscobay/policy/december1998.htm Time to Review Your Cosmetics, Under Bright Light By JANE E. BRODY; May 22, 2001; PERSONAL HEALTH; New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/22/health/22BROD.html Toledo Blade A note from barb (11/29/99): There had been a link out to the Toledo Blade's coverage of the national meeting held by the American Chemical Society, March 1999. Unfortunately, this most informative article -- "Synthetic musk linked to environmental risks" -- has been removed and no amount of pleading has gotten the page back up. It can't be found in a search, either. We've been told by Blade staff to go to the public library to get that issue. Seems strange in that you can get other Michael Woods columns written earlier than this one. What goes on here? Michael Woods, BLADE SCIENCE EDITOR, wrote in part in: Synthetic musk linked to environmental risks "ANAHEIM, Calif. - Synthetic fragrances used in perfumes, soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, cosmetics, and scores of other consumer products have become a new and unexpected group of environmental contaminants, scientists said. " The chemicals are accumulating in human fat tissue, blood, breast milk, drinking water supplies, lakes and streams, fish and wildlife, and elsewhere in the environment, according to scientists interviewed here. ..." http://www.toledoblade.com/ US Access Board Board Adopts Policy to Promote Fragrance-Free Environments Folks, this is so very important. Use it to help educate your recalcitrant employers. -- barb http://www.access-board.gov/news/fragrance.htm Now, after spending valuable time reviewing all that has been put here before you, please take another moment to inform the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) about the fragrances in cleaning and maintenance products and how they adveresely affect your health. The CPSC says it wants to hear from people regarding adverse reactions to fabric softeners, especially when on the ambient air. Remember, pesticides are also fragrance products -- scented so people don't object to inhaling those couple of chemicals they are allowed to learn about in labeling -- other, often more toxic chemicals are hidden by the misleading word, INERT, and, of course, in the added scent. See CPSC's Report Unsafe Products http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. As of 2004: I must add this caveat, based not only on my own personal experience, but comments I have received from others. When contacting the CPSC via phone, a common comment from CPSC is that your call is the FIRST they have heard of a complaint about fabric softeners. When they pull that on me I say: Back in 1992, when I first called you after learning of the harmful effects of fabric softeners that may have been true, but I doubt that I was the very first person to call then to complain about the polluting and sickening capabilities of fabric softeners, but now in __________ (fill in a year of your choice), that cannot be true. I alone have called any number of times down through the years and I've been led to believe that someone has always taken my information. Then their tune changes. So don't let the CPSC person to whom you speak get by with telling you the very same line that a company representative will tell you: "Oh, this is the first time we have received a complaint about our product." Lies, fibs, "a bigun," whatever you call it, it is mendacious whether given by the industry or the government agency charged with protecting public health. (That brings to mind Big Daddy's line that I love from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: "Didn't you notice the powerful and obnoxious odor of mendacity in this room?" REMEMBER THE FDA! Write about adverse reactions AND about the absolute need for informative labeling. Reference Petition Docket Number 99P - 1340 and email fdadockets@oc.fda.gov Thanks, barb