Who is Adversely Affected by Fragrance? Everyone
But those with the following conditions are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of fragrance chemicals. The medical community can no longer ignore the growing body of evidence. The AMA has already taken an important step.
What the American Medical Association Has Acknowledged
In June 2025, the AMA House of Delegates Handbook, (page 749) included Report6 of The Council on Science and Public Health (A-25) which "...examines the evidence on the prevalence and severity of fragrance sensitivity (e.g.,multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), chemical sensitivity (CS), chemical intolerance (CI), toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT), idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI), and environmental illness (IE)) to understand the etiology and impacts, as well as the potential methods to reduce exposure (e.g., state and federal legislation, industry regulation, accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or implementation of fragrance-free policies)."
Because of Report6, Fragrance Regulation H-135.902 was passed. The AMA now recognizes that Fragrance Sensitivity can substantially limit major life activities and "...encourages health care facilities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to adopt and promote fragrance-free policies..."
Why This Matters
It is crucial that people with the following conditions are also recognized as being harmed by the use of fragranced products not only in public spaces, but in their own homes.
If you live with any of these conditions and recognize that fragrance adversely affects you, you are not imagining it. The science is clear, and you are not alone.
Airborne Contact Dermatitis (ACD)
Chemical Sensitivity/
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
National Prevalence and Effects of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
Prevalence and effects of multiple chemical sensitivities in Australia
A national population study of the prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivity
Does improving indoor air quality lessen symptoms associated with chemical intolerance?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Cystic Fibrosis
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)
Fibromyalgia
Lyme Disease
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT)
These conditions are not rare, and the harm experienced from fragrance chemicals is not minor.
Awareness is the beginning of change.
Most children, elderly and pets don't even realize how much of an impact fragranced products are having on their health because they have never been able to experience truly fragrance-free air. When we understand who is harmed, and how to become unscented, we can finally begin to protect them.
