Imagine going to work or a doctor’s office and being hit with something that makes it hard to breathe, gives you headaches, or burns your nose and eyes. This is my life. Six years ago, I developed a fragrance allergy while working at a dental office, and it has changed everything. It has limited what I can do, cost me job opportunities, and left me feeling isolated.

I am not alone. People with asthma, allergies, COPD, long COVID, and other health conditions often face serious reactions in healthcare settings. Perfumes, scented lotions, and air fresheners can cause immediate or delayed responses including breathing problems, headaches, burning sensations in the nose or eyes, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. The term “fragrance” or “parfum” can legally hide hundreds of toxic chemicals which build up in the body and contribute to a wide range of health issues, many of which people fail to connect to the scented products they use or are exposed to.

Healthcare should be a place where everyone can feel safe and cared for. Fragrances are a top allergen, and indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air, with fragrances a major contributor.

We are calling for fragrance-free policies in all healthcare settings, including dental offices. Policies should be clearly communicated, enforced, and supported with staff training to create safe, inclusive, and accessible environments.

By signing, you help protect patients, staff, and loved ones, creating healthier healthcare spaces where everyone can breathe freely and receive care without fear.