Another
Perspective: Press Conference
Hosted by:
Nova Scotia Allergy and Environmental Health Association (NSAEHA)
MCS Referral and Resources, Baltimore, MD, USA
Fragrance Products Information Network, Virginia, USA
Environmental Illness Society of Canada (EISC), Ottawa
Date: June 20, 2000
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Press Statement from NSAEHA
Caution is warranted. The CCTFA has professed a desire to create a
dialogue on fragrance issues in a calm and open forum between the industry and
stakeholders of Nova Scotia.
Record to Date:
- For this morning's meeting, the CCTFA was asked for the courtesy of a
scent-free event. CCTFA offered a so-called scent free zone in the room. (like
a pee-free zone in a swimming pool?). EISC said: increase the number of air
exchanges and put air filters in the room, at the very least.
- The EISC asked that the program be modified to include presentation by
non-industry medical professionals familiar with fragrance health information.
Request was declined by CCTFA.
- CCTFA was invited to take part in Round Table Discussions with medical
professionals and organizations which support scent-free programs, a follow-up
meeting in the afternoon of 20th June, to begin a process of meaningful
dialogue in view of establishing a process of conflict mediation. Refused.
- The CCTFA was invited to participate in a public debate, the evening of
June 20th. Refused.
- EISC requested the CCTFA remove anti-MCS literature from its lobby website
(http://www.scentedproducts.on.ca). This error-ridden information is akin to
hate literature in that it singles out MCS and it attacks the very existence
of the illness. Refused.
- WHMIS information on fragrances does not provide basic and necessary
information about product safety and full ingredient listing to workers and to
consumers. EISC asked the industry to label all perfume ingredients.
CCTFA's in-action speaks louder than words.
As a result of the CCTFA responses, the above organizations decided it was
necessary to provide this press conference to be sure that important and
relevant scientific and medical information is heard.
If you wish to send donations, please make check payable to NSAEHA and send to:
NSAEHA
PO Box 31323
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada, B3K 5Y5