I am one among many thousands who suffer from severe sensitivity to artificial fragrances. The widespread use of these products has drastically reduced the quality of our lives. Those affected, myself included, can no longer work, access healthcare, shops or participate in community activities due to the overwhelming presence of fragrances, particularly laundry fragrances and air fresheners.  Exposure (for myself) leads to debilitating migraines within minutes and sinus, throat swelling and chest issues with longer exposure.

This is not just a personal issue; it's a human rights issue that affects many more people like me with invisible illnesses. The basic right to be able to access healthcare, be in employment, buy groceries or even to be able to go outside on your own property or have windows open shouldn't be governed by personal fragrance products that have been designed to be intensely pervasive - adhering at a molecular level to not just fabric but other products/materials they comes into contact with and also designed to evaporate/disperse so the scent travels far further than necessary affecting non-consumers. We cannot continue to ignore this problem. 

Moreover, research proves that petrochemical-based fragrances harm our environment (source: The Guardian, National Library of Medicine, CNN, NOAA.gov, Science journal, etc ). These chemicals are found in hundreds of everyday products without any independent regulation on their use or disclosure. The one word "perfume", "aroma" or "parfum" can contain hundreds of petroleum based chemicals including neurotoxins, volatile organic compounds, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, benzene, formaldehyde etc. Research indicates (EPA, National Institutes of Health etc) that indoor air pollution can be far higher than outdoor pollution in many cases. Outdoor pollution is also a large factor with tumble dryer vents, washing lines and general release of fragrance molecules from widespread use of air fresheners, body sprays, colognes and perfumes.

It is not just people with invisible illnesses like MCS, MCAS, TILT, or general fragrance sensitivities that are affected but also people with asthma, cancer, dermatitis and even those with autism can be affected by strong scents. Not to mention the possible long term effects for consumers who are not acutely affected in the short term, is very worrying.

Therefore, we urgently call for the implementation of independent regulations on petroleum-based chemicals used in artificial fragrances rather than in-house regulation. This will protect individuals with sensitivities and allergies as well as our environment from further damage and possible long term effects on product users. The legal loop-hole that allows companies to use whatever chemical ingredients they want without disclosing them because it is a proprietary blend should be re-assessed due to its harmful consequences.

Please sign this petition and help us make a change for better health and environmental safety! Aiming to send signatures to The Health & Safety Executive, CIRS (Chemical Inspection & Regulation Service), SAG-CS (Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medical Consumer Products).