Letter: Lighten up on the perfume so we can all breathe easier

Barbara Richardson of Columbus wrote this letter July 21.

I have an unusual request for the public. Actually, it is more of a plea.

My dilemma is that of air quality in confined places, with the abundance of scents, perfumes, colognes, body sprays, not to mention almost every product we touch or use comes with an “irresistible” scent to make our lives more fulfilling. I agree that we do not want to smell bad or to smell bad things ... but it would be wonderful to smell nothing sometimes or at least less.

I was so very excited when within our recent church bulletin there was an added insert describing the ill effects fragrances can have on people and that for some individuals it was even medically dangerous. And the insert politely asked people to be considerate and aware of this when preparing for church.

Sadly, it was confirmed that even after reading this, it did not prevent many from wearing their scents just as usual.

For myself, the menagerie of scents gives me two days of eye-piercing headache, and another family member gets such bad migraines from exposure which at times leaves lesions (scar tissue) on the brain. Many others I have talked with have bad effects from fragrances as well.

I do think some public places can be more aware of the issue and at least limit the extremes such as plugged in scent machines in elevators and bathrooms. We know most of the burden lies on limiting our own habits and environments and running past certain aisles in a store. We know it is mostly our problem, not yours.

Whatever your reason for wearing the extra fragrances, please sacrifice going without them for a few hours for confined meetings and if you work in small areas. Most of us are too respectful to embarrass you — and ourselves — to tell you “a little goes a long way.” You may not realize that you are leaving a trail of scent after you walk past; even sometimes before you enter the room, your perfume has already announced you. Yes, even that $200 an ounce perfume.

Allergies are real. Out of human compassion, when we can lessen another’s discomforts we should, especially in shared public areas.

Original Article