Sample Letter

To the Honorable _______________

I would like to bring to your attention an important consumer and health concern.

Generally ingredients are listed on labels and consumers can make informed choices about the products they purchase and use. Labeling is especially important when consumers need to avoid ingredients that they experience adverse effects from, are allergic to, or for other reasons wish to avoid. While most ingredients have to be listed on the label in descending order of prominence, fragrance is the exception. Fragrance formulas are considered "trade secrets" and the individual ingredients that make up the fragrance portion of the product do not have to be listed. Only the word "fragrance" must appear on the label. Consumers have no way of knowing which scented products may contain allergens, toxins, or other materials they may need or wish to avoid.

Fragrance is one of the most frequent causes of allergic and irritant reactions to cosmetics and laundry products. It is estimated that 1-2% of the population has allergy to fragrance and there is a direct correlation between exposure and the development of fragrance allergy. In addition to effects on the skin, fragrances are also known to be respiratory irritants and play a role in triggering and exacerbating respiratory disorders such as asthma. A recent study by the CDC found that diethyl and dibutyl phthalate, which are common in scented products, are present in the bodies of women of childbearing ages. Synthetic musk compounds accumulate in body tissues, are found in breast milk, and cross the placental barrier.

Scent is added to most cosmetics, household cleaners, laundry products as well as a host of other things. In addition items to deliberately scent the air such as air fresheners, scented candles, and scented oils are very popular and are used in many homes and workplaces. Fragrance by design gets into the air. Materials used in fragrances are volatile organic compounds and add to indoor and outdoor air pollution.

On May 22, 2001, Rep Janice Schakowsky introduced Bill H.R.1947 asking to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that fragrances containing known toxic substances or allergens be labeled accordingly. This bill is now in the Committee on Health.

I urge you to support this bill and consider cosponsoring it. There are increasing numbers of people that are negatively impacted by fragrance and need to know what scented products contain allergens and toxins. Passing of this bill and enforcement of it and existing labeling laws would be very beneficial to consumers.

Sincerely,