Living in this apartment building has always been a source of joy and comfort for my family and me. However, recent practices by the building managers have raised serious concerns about our health and safety. 

As far as I know, there are two air freshener units being installed in our building. One is installed on the roof, and another on in the lobby. They are constantly pumping odour filled with chemicals into the common areas through the air vents (near the lift) for the past few weeks. Upon my repeated requests, Essential Community is unable to provide a full list of the ingredients of the products installed. We do not know what exactly is in the product. However, I do know that it makes me feel very sick. I also know from the building manager Renee that some indoor plants in the lobby is dead after being exposed to it. It also made Craig at the concierge sick. Renee has made a few inconsistent claims since. She claimed that the device in the lobby is turned off. But she still left the other one running on the roof to spray chemicals into our residential areas, utterly ignorant to us residents’ health and wellbeing. After I repeatedly asked Essential Community to remove the units, a strong odour from the air freshener is still present in the hallway as of today even though the building manager claimed that she turned it off.

For those who might feel fine with the odour, or think that this is none of your business and you do not want to be bothered, I am asking you to think again. 

According to Australia State of Environment (2021), recent studies examined exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inside the home with the use of air fresheners, and fragranced laundry and cleaning products. Residents reported asthma (e.g. Steinemann & Goodman 2019) and migraine symptoms (e.g. Steinemann & Nematollahi 2020) when exposed to fragranced products. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2026) also states that the VOCs from sources such as air fresheners, disinfectants and pesticides have significant impact on indoor air quality and a wide range of health issues. Some organics can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

For pet owners, I am certain you put your fur babies’ health and well fare  closes to your heart just like I do. According to veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker (2026), everyday household products such as air fresheners and disinfectants release VOCs like benzene, which new research links to oxidative DNA damage and increased lymphoma risk in dogs. Chronic exposure, even at low levels, can accumulate in your pet’s tissues, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage.

The installation of chemical air fresheners at Royal Como are unnecessary, ridiculously expensive and most importantly, extremely harmful to all residents’ health and wellbeing. If the owners corporation decides to subscribe to the services, it will cost us $300/month for a 36-month contract. (Please refer to the Committee Meeting Minutes on August 19, 2026.)

By signing this petition, we can collectively urge the Committee to take immediate action for the safety and health of all its residents. Please join me in advocating for a healthier living environment. Sign the petition to make our voices heard and bring about change for the better.

Resources:
1. https://www.proactivepaws.com/blogs/pet-health/hidden-air-toxins-harming-pets
2. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality
3. https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/air-quality/environment/indoor-air-quality