But what is striking in all this noise is the absence of facts to back up these attacks. MCS sufferers have been one of the forces working for scent-free policies but they are certainly not alone. Fragrances are respiratory irritants. This is readily acknowledged by the fragrance industry, doctors, and scientists. Seventy-two percent of asthmatics develop respiratory symptoms when exposed to fragrances.
Fragrance is also a known trigger for migraine headaches.
Fragrances are no longer found mainly in perfumes. More than half of the fragrance industry's profits come from products other than perfumes, from toilet paper to rubber tires, dolls to garbage bags. The friends of perfume imply that if government approves their products, there can't be any health risks. There is no pre-clearing of chemicals with any agency. Other than a few ingredients prohibited by-law, anything can be used to make fragrances.