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The Environmental Health Network of California
Files Petition With the FDA


February 19, 2001

Dockets Management Branch
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Department of Health and Human Services, Rm. 1-23
12420 Parklawn Dr.
Rockville, MD 20857

    Re: Docket Number: 99P-1340/CP 1


Dear FDA:

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that I have become ill from exposure to fragrances such as cologne, perfume, scented after-shave, hand lotion, perfumed detergent and hairspray. This extensive exposure took place at work and the severe symptoms began during my second week in the office. Many employees wear cologne, scented after-shave, and hairspray. My symptoms that developed are:

    - sneezing

    - stuffed nose

    - itchy skin

    - hives

    - ear pain

    - headaches

    - weakness

    - lightheadedness

    - sinus pain

    - difficulty breathing

    - trembling arms and legs

    - exhaustion

    - disorientation

    - difficulty concentrating

    - chest pressure

After two months exposure in my work office I became hypersensitive to fragrances. I now have allergy symptoms on the bus and in stores from fragrances worn by people. ItĖs very difficult to avoid fragrances and my health is suffering. IĖve been spending most of my time seeing doctors, researching the health effects of fragrances and buying air filters and face masks so I have limited time to take care of other aspects of my life. In addition, the effects of fragrances have caused me to become extremely fatigued and so I have less energy to perform my daily functions and achieve personal goals.

I recently moved into a new cottage and the landlord used Resolve carpet cleaner to remove spots from the bedroom carpet. That product has a strong perfume scent and I tried to remove it with baking soda and water. The perfume scent still remains and I will need to rent a steam cleaner and try to remove it. As I type this letter I am sitting at my computer near the bedroom and being effected by the carpet cleaner fragrance.

I ask you to please research these fragrances.

One cologne that produced health problems for me at work is Pleasure for Men, by Estee Lauder. However, this is just one of the fragrances that made me ill. If you need to contact me for any reason please give me a call, write or send email. Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,


Linda Pomerantz

cc: Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)


What a brilliant idea Linda had in copying CPSC!
I hope others follow her example. -- barb



Please write to the FDA in support of this petition.
Copy EHN and FPIN, if you'd care to have your letter posted --
Betty Bridges, FPIN bcb56@ix.netcom.com
Barbara Wilkie, EHN (Barb's email is no longer valid, please contact EHN)

Please put FDA Letter in subject line. Thanks .

To view a sample letter, visit:
http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/sampletr.htm#SAMPLE


Return to Index of Letters in Support of Petition

Return to EHN Petitions the FDA


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The Environmental Health Network (EHN) [of California] is a 501 (c) (3) non profit agency and offers support and information for the chemically injured. EHN brings you topics on this page that need your immediate attention The URL for EHN's HomePage is www.ehnca.org