News Release: For Immediate Release
ANTI-SCENT POLICIES ARE NOT BASED ON FACTS, SAYS SCENT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Halifax, June 20, 2000 - Policies to discourage the use of scented products are not based on fact, says the Scented Product Education and Information Association of Canada (SPEIAC). The Association today announced that it is sponsoring a public education program in the Halifax region over the coming month to address the lack of accurate information on the subject.
"The anti-scent policies - both formal and informal - that are prevalent in the Halifax area appear to be based on an appalling lack of factual information," said Carl Carter, Communications Director of SPEIAC. "It's time to get the facts straight and put an end to the sensational claims that are being made by advocates of scent bans."
"We respect the fact that some individuals appear to react excessively to many common everyday substances, including scented products," continued Carter. "At the same time, we also know that scented products are as safe as the foods we eat, and the many other products we use in everyday life."
"Responsible public policy-making should be based on accurate information and the best available accepted science," said Carter. "That is why SPEIAC is making an effort to correct the misinformation that is being circulated."
The Association today sponsored an education forum with delegates invited from Health Canada and the scientific community, together with Halifax area public policy-makers and individuals representing the anti-scent movement.
A presentation by Bill Troy, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Fragrance Materials Association (FMA) explained the steps taken to ensure the safety of fragrance materials and the type of testing that is done. "Fragrance industry associations around the world work closely with the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, an international, independent organization devoted to evaluating the safety of fragrance ingredients," said Troy. "This is a responsible industry that takes safety seriously."
In addition to the forum, SPEIAC will be sponsoring public education advertising in the two major Halifax newspapers over the coming month. "The advertising campaign is designed to get the facts out about scented products and safety," said Carter.
Fragrances are primarily composed of water and grain alcohol - of the same type and purity we drink in beverages - together with essential fragrance oils. This basic composition has remained unchanged for hundreds of years.**
"People need to know that the ingredients in scented products are tested for safety and that fragrance formulations do not contain the dangerous substances that some people are claiming," continued Carter.
"They also need to know that just because a material is synthetic doesn't mean it is harmful. The safety of a substance is not determined by whether it is of synthetic or natural origin. In fact, synthetic materials are often purer and help us preserve natural resources.
"These are just a couple of examples of the erroneous beliefs that are the basis of informal, but widespread, public policies in the region," said Carter. "But public policy should be based on accurate information - not beliefs. This is vital to the protection of individual rights and freedoms."
SPEIAC continues to advocate responsible use of scented products and advises that everyone has a personal scent circle about arm's length from the body. The Association recommends exercising restraint when using scented products so that it is not noticeable outside your scent circle.
For more information, visit the SPEIAC Web site at
www.scentedproducts.on.ca. To
arrange an interview, please call: