FEBRUARY 20, 2000

Dockets Management Branch
The Food and Drug Administration
Department of Health & Human Services
12420 Parklawn Dr.
Rockville, MD 20857

Re: 99p-1340/cp 1 petition to have eternity eau de parfum declared MISBRANDED

To whom it may concern:

The above noted petition by the Environmental Health Network, in May 1999 has my complete support. The FDA should follow the regulations which state that cosmetic ingredients and products must be adequately substantiated for safety prior to marketing. If this is not done prior to marketing it is misbranded unless it carries the statement " warning - the safety of this product has not been determined." However, the product (Eternity) has no such label on it. All such products must be tested for safety, not by their biased manufacturers, but by truly independent labs.The numbers of those who suffer from the effects of toxic chemicals in fragrance products continue to grow at a rapid pace.

I am extremely sensitive to scented products, permanently disabled from toxic chemicals, and therefore must avoid many public places. I have been forced to give up a great deal, yet periodically I try to venture out. The opera was my favorite pastime, but now find I am unable to stay very long even while wearing a mask, and taking an allergy shot first. It should be noted that the director of the children's chorus sent a letter to all parents asking participants come unscented! Unfortunately, adult attendees have not been asked to be as considerate.

Here are just some of my symptoms, depending on exactly which combination of chemicals is in any particular fragrance product:

DIZZY HEADACHE RED, TINGLING EARS RESTLESSNESS ITCHY SKIN NUMBNESS IN FACE AND HANDS DISTURBED VISION STOMACH ACHE

BRAIN FOG ANGER MUSCLE ACHES IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT LOSS OF BALANCE BURNING IN NOSE AND THROAT SINUSITIS

If you were to have an independent survey done, asking about the reactions to perfumes and fragrances, the magnitude of those responses would be eye-opening! It is your responsibility to take appropriate action and protect our entire population.

Sincerely,

Alice R. Osherman