Living with Environmental Illness

Spring Cleaning Tips

May 5, 2012 By AndreaFabry 1 Comment

Spring cleaning dates back to the ancient Jewish practice of thoroughly cleansing the home in anticipation of the springtime memorial feast of Passover.

In Persia, the new year falls on the first day of spring. Iranians continue the practice of khooneh tekouni, which means “shaking the house.” Everything is cleaned, from drapes to furniture.

People have long understood the connection between cleanliness and health. When we do a thorough cleaning of our home, we improve the air quality and therefore our health. By investing time and energy in this time-honored custom, we offer a much-needed boost to our own and our family’s immune systems.

Spring is the ideal time to do a deep cleaning, as the windows can be open without intrusion from bugs and heat. Here are ten suggestions for making this year’s spring cleaning a resounding success!

1. Plan ahead and prioritize. Pick one day or a series of days. Mark them on the calendar. Set realistic goals. Pick areas of the home that are often overlooked.

2. Involve the whole family. Children are more capable than we realize. Research suggests that kids who are actively involved in the work of the household gain self-esteem, confidence, and a strong work ethic. Encourage your spouse to participate.

3. De-clutter. The Jewish spring-cleaning tradition requires that every drawer, closet, and cabinet be cleaned and inspected for any item which is no longer needed. Use the opportunity to “clear out” and keep only those things that are used and/or needed. If it hasn’t been used for a year or more, chances are you no longer need it. Call your favorite thrift store or charity to schedule a pickup. Having a date on the calendar will add further motivation.

4. Take everything out. When tackling a closet, shelf, or drawer, take everything out first. It’s tempting to dust around things or do a half-hearted job. Taking everything out before cleaning insures a more rewarding experience. You’ll also make better decisions, since it can be easier to discard rather than put back.

5. Use natural products. Spring is a perfect time to incorporate cheap and natural cleaning products. *Discard your chemical products and try white vinegar and baking soda. Add some essential oils for a pleasant aroma during cleaning. Before disposing of chemicals, look for a hazardous waste disposal site near you.

For more on integrating natural products into your home, see A Naturally Clean Kitchen and The Naturally Healthy Bathroom, as well as our Natural Year Challenge: Household Edition.

6. Download our free checklist: The momsAWARE Dustbusting Dozen – Pay attention to hidden dust collectors. Refrigerator coils, vents, fans, blinds, drapes, and other dust-prone areas may receive little attention during the year. Dust can be a breeding ground for mold. Tending to these areas significantly improves your indoor air quality.

7. Move one piece of large furniture (at least). Enlist the help of family and vacuum under and behind that sofa, bed, desk, refrigerator, washer and/or dryer.

8. Clean bedding, including pillows. If pillows are not machine-washable, consider replacing them. Pillows can be a source of mold, dust, and odors. At the very least, sprinkle with water and toss in the dryer at a high temperature. Consider washing your bedding and drying in the sun for a special “fresh” feeling.

9. Clean the refrigerator. Check expiration dates and toss unwanted or unusable food items, even when they’re half full. Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start!

10. Reward your hard work! Plan a family movie night, go out to dinner, try a new essential oil, or invest in a book to encourage your desire to run an “all-natural household.” Book suggestions include Better Basics for the Home, The Naturally Clean Home, and Super Natural Home.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Some living with Environmental Illness cannot tolerate vinegar and/or essential oils. Many use just the baking soda and many others use peroxide and water, salt or fragrance and chemical free products from their local heath store. The CIA Campaign’s Store offers many great products at a discount and a portion of the proceeds go to the Invisible Disabilities Association and the CIA Campaign.

All Purpose Mystical Cleaner

Alternative Products for the Hair, Body, Laundry and Home

Allergy and Mold Products: Air Purifiers, Bedding, Vacuums and More

About Andrea Fabry

Andrea Fabry and her husband Chris are the parents of nine children ages 26-10. Due to a toxic mold exposure, the family vacated their Colorado home in October 2008. They relocated to Arizona in January 2009. A former radio journalist, Andrea now actively pursues her passion to raise awareness on issues health, nutrition, and environmental illness. Visit Andrea's websites: Our Health Journey at http://moldrecovery.blogspot.com and momsAWARE at www.MomsAware.org

Filed Under: Living with Environmental Illness Tagged With: alternatives, Andrea Fabry, asthma, chemicals, cleaning product, environmental illness, fragrance-free, helpful tips, indoor air quality, multiple chemical sensitivities

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An All Natural Crown

March 20, 2012 By AndreaFabry Leave a Comment

I colored my hair for the first time on my 40th birthday. I only had a few strands of gray, but it was a fun home experiment. I loved the new look and stayed with it for the next 10 years. My world began to crumble soon after my 50th birthday. So did my hair coloring habit.

One influential factor was the book Going Gray by Anne Kreamer. In it she documents her transformation from treated hair to all-natural. I was inspired by her story but resisted the idea. I told myself I couldn’t do it, at least not at that point. Besides, my poor first grader couldn’t be the only child in his class with a gray-haired mother.

By my 51st birthday our world was turned upside down. It was the year of our major exposure and most of that year was spent in doctors’ offices, emergency rooms, and hospitals. My interest in maintaining my coloring habit waned.

I talked with my hair stylist about changing my color gradually. We agreed to do some lighter highlights to make the transition.

Two months after this decision we vacated our house. My world collapsed. My children were sick. I could find no medical help and I began to realize that I, too, was ill. I stopped seeing my stylist and let my hair go.

We moved to Arizona that winter, and after three months of house- and hotel-hopping we settled in a tiny three-bedroom house. Brushing my hair became a luxury; highlighting was out of the question. As reality set in and I understood that we were just beginning a very long recovery process, I cut my hair as short as possible. All the highlights were finally gone and only natural hair color remained.

I didn’t like the new look, mostly because of the shortness of the cut. But the gray wasn’t as unsettling as I thought it would be. My family was supportive.

I did love the new feeling of freedom. No more counting the days till the roots appeared again!

I bought a box of Henna, a natural, chemical-free hair color alternative, but decided to keep my new “carefree” life.

It’s been two and half years since I took the plunge. Time enough to reflect on my goals.

Looking younger than my age is no longer one of them.

Not that I’m totally comfortable with the aging process. Nor have I conquered all of my appearance issues. But I am learning, ever so slowly and painfully, what really counts in life.

And it’s not keeping my hair dark.

It’s not possessions, either. Or wealth.

I like the perspective the book of Proverbs offers,

“Gray-headedness is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31)

Before

After

About Andrea Fabry

Filed Under: Living with Environmental Illness

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Amazing Hotel Accommodations for My Challenges

January 5, 2012 By ButILOOKGood 2 Comments

I live with Multiple Sclerosis and Lyme Disease. I get extremely ill from chemicals in cleaning products and synthetic fragrances. This is not rare, as millions report mild to severe reactions to these (even more so with those living with chronic illness, asthma, allergies, chemical sensitivities, cancer, autism, PTSD, migraines, etc). Other than Disney hotels, I have been unable to stay in a hotel for over 10 years due to air fresheners, cleaners and sprays.

Just before Christmas, my brother passed away, so we needed to go to Grand Junction. From several previous failed attempts to find a place to stay anywhere in the area, we were quite scared to try again, but it was imperative that we find a place to stay.

We certainly did not need a hotel as fancy as the Colorado Wine Country Inn, but had exhausted all of the other options and chains. When I called the manager of this hotel (Jerome) and went through my very lengthy list of qualifications (no smoking, no air fresheners, no sprays, room can’t be near laundry, exhaust or outside smoking, etc), he didn’t even blink an eye. He was happy to answer my questions. Once we decided to make a reservation, he didn’t mind cleaning our room and linens in baking soda and vinegar!

The trip there was nerve-wracking as we had to go and we couldn’t just sleep in the car! We also had my mother with us who is battling lung cancer. When we arrived, my husband went in to check out the room and soon waved us in! We were greeted at the door by Joe and found our room to be fabulous!! The room was clean and comfortable and they had a very nice condolence card for our family signed by the staff.

Another great thing I would like to report is that the chefs were well versed in gluten sensitivities and were also able to accommodate our other food allergies.

HOWEVER! Although the room was absolutely fantastic, I do have to share the negatives and warnings about the things we did encounter for others who live with chemical sensitivities, toxic injury, asthma, allergies, etc.

1) They do have an automatic air freshener in the public restrooms off of the lobby (but none in the lobby, halls or rooms). They will be receiving a nice letter from my husband with information about the chemicals in these units, along with several alternatives based on the information found in this website, the Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign.

2) Even though they use a low chlorine type hot-tub, a slight to moderate chlorine smell is in the lobby and lower levels.

3) The neighbors in the winter use wood and pellet stoves; we did not detect this from inside the room, but could when going outside or opening the windows when it was cold outside.

4) This in is in the middle of vineyards, in which pesticides are used in the spring and summer (we went in the winter).

Even with these hurdles, we were able to secure ourselves in the room and get a good night sleep. None of the other hotels my husband tried stepping into in the area were even a slight possibility.

We cannon thank the Colorado Wine Country Inn enough for taking such great care of us!!

WARNING: I can’t guarantee how your experience will be at this hotel or any other. Please try ay hotel at your own risk after calling to ensure they do not use what you cannot tolerate, asking them to make accommodations and having a back-up plan in case it doesn’t work out! We went through all of the proper steps last summer, but still could not tolerate the room whatsoever.

TIDBITS: Nearly 38% of the population reports some sort of adverse health effect from chemicals in fragrances. Approximately 15% or more knowingly live with chemical sensitivities; it is suspected that many more do as well, but do not make the connection between their symptoms and the source. According to a 2010 study, of the 133 VOCs found in 25 everyday products, “24 are classified as toxic or hazardous under U.S. federal laws and each product emitted at least one of these compounds” (2010 Anne Steinemann, Ph.D).

Visit the Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign for more information about chemicals, fragrances and chemical sensitivities: (a campaign of the Invisible Disabilities Association).

About Sherri

Sherri has always been an extremely active person. She used to cheer-lead, sing and dance in musicals, act in commercials, work multiple jobs and obtained 3 college degrees. However, she has been unable to work or care for her daily needs since 1991, due to Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic-Late Lyme Disease. She lives with unbearable and disabling pain, fatigue and cognitive disorders 24x7. She also has Chemical Sensitivities, which has kept her very isolated from friends and family. Sherri is not a medical professional, please seek advice from your doctor before making any changes to your healthcare or lifestyle.

Filed Under: Living with Environmental Illness Tagged With: accessibility, air freshener, asthma, awareness, barriers, chemicals, cleaning product, environmental illness, fragrances, hotel, invisible disabilities, multiple chemical sensitivities, personal story, reasonable accommodation

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Our Vehicle Journey

December 8, 2011 By AndreaFabry Leave a Comment

When we left our home in October 2008, we brought our cars. We didn’t have much choice. In retrospect I might have agreed to borrow a car until we could figure out a course of action, but we were consumed with finding shelter and replacing necessities.

We vacuumed and wiped them with white vinegar.

Within a couple of weeks we noticed that our symptoms increased when we rode in our 9-passenger Suburban. My worry about cross-contamination increased as well.

In the end we discovered we hadn’t cross-contaminated. According to testing performed later, the cars were clean. But our symptoms were heightened when riding in the Suburban. We simply had to replace it. Most people could tolerate the car just fine, so 6 weeks after we left our home we traded it for a used Honda Odyssey with leather seats. That car felt better. Our headaches and congestion improved. We kept our second car, a Honda CR-V, and tried to use it as little as possible.

In December 2008, I traveled to Arizona with several of our children. Slowly the rest of the family followed. Our three oldest daughters relocated, then our high school senior, Ryan. Four vehicles came with them.

We noticed adverse reactions when riding in any of our old cars. Our multiple chemical sensitivity kicked in shortly after vacating our home. Therefore, any air fresheners or chemicals previously used were no longer tolerated.

We found ways to cope with our older vehicles. Regular HEPA vacuuming helped, and so did wiping down the inside with *tea tree oil and other essential oils. Changing cabin filters might have helped. Here’s what one allergy-friendly website says about cabin filters:

What is a car cabin air filter?

Many car owners don’t even realize that such a part exists in their vehicles, much less if it ever needs to be changed. But, no matter if they know it or not, a cabin air filter is an essential part of your car’s ventilation system that removes pollutants from the air before they get inside the passenger compartment. They were originally designed to remove solid contaminants like dust and soot from circulating inside your vehicle, but can now also absorb gases and odors. Cabin air filters may also be known as passenger compartment filters, interior ventilation filters, pollen filters or dust filters.

Why are the cabin air filters used?

It is an undisputed fact that roadways (especially major highways, especially during rush hours) are some of the major sources of air pollution. Therefore, as you are driving, you are forced to breathe the air tainted with exhaust fumes, dust and soot particles, many of which may pose a serious hazard to your health.

The cabin air filter is there to prevent all those pollutants from entering the passenger compartment.

Why and how often should you change the cabin air filter?

Eventually, a cabin air filter starts to lose its effectiveness, as it gets dirty with use. This may result in unpleasant odor, and decreased heating and air conditioning performance caused by restricted airflow through the filter.

It is recommended to replace the cabin air filter at least once a year or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles – more often if your vehicle is operated primarily in areas of heavy pollution or dusty conditions.

Are cabin air filters difficult to replace?

Cabin air filters are typically located under a vehicle’s dashboard or attached to the glove box. Others may be located in the engine compartment. In nearly all cases, cabin air filters can be changed in as little as 10 minutes.

For instructions on replacing the cabin air filter on a particular car model, go to the Car Cabin Air Filters Main Page and find your vehicle under the appropriate category.

Despite all of the filtration options, it was clear that we needed to replace our vehicles. It took more than two years.

Yesterday afternoon we sold the last car from Colorado. It’s been a slow, arduous process. Finding affordable, used cars with no history of air fresheners, chemicals, or mold has not been easy.

The sale of this last vehicle marks the end of a chapter. The old life is slowly passing. Somehow it also feels like a new beginning.

*Please note that many with chemical sensitivities also react to essential oils and/or vinegar. Seek advice from your medical professional before trying any new products or tips and use with your own discretion.

About Andrea Fabry

Filed Under: Living with Environmental Illness Tagged With: Andrea Fabry, asthma, awareness, chemicals, cleaning product, environmental illness, essential oils, fragrances, mold exposure, multiple chemical sensitivities, personal story

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Mold Inspection for Apartment

November 18, 2011 By AndreaFabry Leave a Comment

Two of our older children moved to their own apartment recently—yet another sign that we are progressing, albeit ever so slowly.

Transitioning to a new environment brings with it a level of stress and anxiety. How can we be sure it’s mold-free? What about the chemical aspect?

The apartment was worth pursuing since it was all electric and only a year old, with no history of water damage. During the walk-through we detected only a faint chemical smell. No plug-ins, no heavy fragrances, and no musty smell. A good, safe home environment should smell like nothing.

The good news about our condition is that our bodies let us know immediately if there is a serious mold issue, something I’ve encountered three times since leaving our Colorado home. All three times I felt a painful tightening in my chest, which took several days to resolve.

Our next step was to inquire about pesticide sprays. Aside from the initial termite spray used during construction, the apartment had not been sprayed indoors.

Although there was no sign of water damage, we decided to have the apartment inspected using thermal imaging. Infrared thermal imaging will detect hidden areas of moisture. It can also spot structural defects and any potential electrical hazards.

According to this website dedicated to thermal imaging:

Thermal imaging inspections provides us with a picture of a specific condition of a home or building. Infrared cameras allow us the ability to see and locate what the naked eye is unable to detect. Infrared images can capture thermal anomalies from moisture or water damage, roof leaks, stucco, EIFS, chimney staining and window leakage. Infrared Scans are able to locate water and moisture intrusion in buildings by thermal patterns.

Our inspector invited our 11-year-old son to put his hands and feet on the wall to demonstrate the heat-detecting capabilities of the machine.

A thermal imaging inspection can range in cost from $100 to $400, depending on the size of the dwelling and whether or not a full inspection is performed.

Here are some things we did to help remedy the chemical smell:

-Placed activated charcoal in open cups throughout the apartment. Zeolite can also be used.
-Cleaned thoroughly with white vinegar.
-Diffused essential oils like lemon and tea tree oil (Be aware that many with MCS cannot tolerate essential oils; use at your own discretion).
-Ran our air purifier (we like the Austin).

The kids are doing well in their new environment. The only question remaining: Who gets the empty room at our house?

About Andrea Fabry

Filed Under: Living with Environmental Illness Tagged With: Andrea Fabry, awareness, helpful tips, indoor air quality, mold exposure, personal story

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My Visit to Disneyland with Chemical Sensitivities

October 28, 2011 By ButILOOKGood 1 Comment

Minnie and Sherri at the Health Care Center

Earlier this year (2011), my husband and I had to take a trip to California for medical reasons. Since we were already going to be there, we decided to first stop in Disneyland for some much needed fun!

This was a huge endeavor, not only because I have Multiple Sclerosis and Lyme Disease, but because I also have severe chemical sensitivities and food allergies. Turns out that they were extremely knowledgeable about food allergies, so that was awesome. Read more here!

The biggest fear was that we had never taken a long road trip and we had no idea if I would even be able to stay in a hotel, because of all the chemicals commonly used to clean them. However, they were extremely helpful regarding the room! In fact, they are accustomed to cleaning rooms without chemicals for those who request it and they even have linens and towels that have not been washed in fragranced detergents.

Even arranging all of this, it was a gamble, because the regular use of chemical cleaners and sprays usually linger in carpets, walls and beds. Nonetheless, I am elated to report that the room was delightfully wonderful! I didn’t notice and residuals at all!

The only issue I had was when the housekeepers cleaned the room below me, it wafted up into the vent. We shut it off and left the room. It was fine later.

Of course there were other concerns that could not be helped, in which I had to take care to avoid. For example, housekeeping carts and other sprays in halls. Also, being exposed to laundry detergents, soaps, lotions, deodorants, sunscreens and more from the people in the parks. So, we scheduled the stay during a very quiet time and thankfully I only ran into it briefly a couple of times. In addition, there are rides and shows that have fragrances emitted; but the accessibility crew helped us map those out so that we didn’t go near them.

Finally, the last concern on the agenda were the air fresheners in the park restrooms. Since I am unable to enter a bathroom with those in it, I wouldn’t have have anywhere to go.

My husband was able to share information with them about chemical sensitivities, asthma and allergies through the Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign. After Disney reviewed the statistics and details, they removed the automatic air fresheners in all of the Health Centers in all of the Parks in both Disneyland and Disney World for the sake of those with environmental illness. Read more here!

I can’t guarantee how your experience will be at Disneyland or at any other hotel or resort. In fact, after our wonderful stay at Disneyland, we booked a hotel so that I could visit family I had not gone to see in over 5 years. Even though they claim they cleaned with the products and did not spray anything, the room was thick with chemicals. We had to pay for the room even though we immediately left. My husband drove up and down the road checking out other hotels, but none were tolerable! It was a nightmare!

Video above of Sherri interviewing Pluto and Minnie and thanking Disney for all they did.

My Visit to Disneyland with Food Allergies

About Sherri

Filed Under: Living with Environmental Illness Tagged With: accessibility, air freshener, allergy, asthma, awareness, barriers, chemicals, cleaning product, Disney, environmental illness, fragrance-free, invisible disabilities, multiple chemical sensitivities, personal story, reasonable accommodation, travel

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My Visit to Disneyland with Food Allergies

October 28, 2011 By ButILOOKGood 1 Comment

Sherri with Chef Nick

In 2011 I had to go to California for medical reasons. My husband and I had not been on a vacation in a very long time, so we decided to stay at Disneyland!

This was extremely overwhelming, not only because I have Multiple Sclerosis and Lyme Disease, but because I also have severe chemical sensitivities and food allergies. We had never taken a long road trip and we had no idea if I would even be able to stay in a hotel, because of all the chemicals commonly used to clean them. The hotel did a fabulous job with our room! Read more here.

Gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, egg free waffle

As for addressing my food allergies, Disney was incredible! It turns out that they are very well educated about food allergies and sensitivities. Guests with Disabilities contacted Nick, the hotel’s main chef, to discuss my allergies. Nick contacted me for a list of concerns that we were able to discuss.

I have a very extensive list of food allergies, so we opted to discuss them ahead of time (that is how I got the waffle as seen on the right). However, in many cases, a guest can alert their server at the restaurant about common allergies or sensitivities and a chef will come out to discuss their options. Of course, if you go to the restaurant, Goofy’s Kitchen, like we did, you will get to meet the one and only Chef Goofy!

Wow Disney! You really go above and beyond to help guest enjoy the whole Disney experience. Thank you!

Video of Sherri interviewing Chef Goofy and thanking Disney for the wonderful time!

My Visit to Disneyland with Chemical Sensitivities

About Sherri

Filed Under: Living with Environmental Illness Tagged With: accessibility, awareness, Disney, environmental illness, food allergies, food sensitivities, helpful tips, invisible disabilities, multiple chemical sensitivities, reasonable accommodation

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Allergies and Asthma Linked to Mold

October 10, 2011 By AndreaFabry Leave a Comment

A study released this year says children who live in homes with visible mold are more likely to suffer from asthma and allergies. According to the following article posted on FoxNews.com:

Researchers found that across 61 international studies since the 1990s, children living in water-damaged, moldy homes were more likely to have asthma, wheezing problems or nasal allergies than their peers.

The findings do not prove that mold is the culprit, according to the study’s lead researcher.

However, lab research has suggested that exposure to mold and airborne mold spores can create inflammation in the airways, added Dr. Christina Tischer, of the German Research Center for Environmental Health in Neuherberg.

These latest findings underscore the importance of not only getting rid of visible mold, but also preventing it in the first place, Tischer told Reuters Health in an email.

People often believe that mold is bad news for their lung health, and many studies have supported that idea. But some recent studies have linked certain proteins in mold “components” in the home to a lower risk of asthma and allergies in children. Those components are particular fungus cells that can mix in with house dust.

So for their review, Tischer and her colleagues separated studies that examined visible mold — the most obvious sign of a mold problem — from the smaller number in which researchers measured mold components in household dust samples.

They found that overall, children in homes with visible mold were 49 percent more likely to have asthma than kids not exposed to the problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 10 percent of all American kids have asthma.

Meanwhile, the children’s risk of nasal allergies was 39 percent higher.

Exposure to mold components in house dust was linked to a lower risk of those respiratory ills, the researchers report in the European Respiratory Journal.

In theory, that finding could be due to differences between visible mold and the mold components that are part of the normal mix of bacteria, fungus and other microbes in indoor air.

“Visible mold patches at the walls, or a moldy odor, is indicating that the normal microbial composition is out of kilter, which is most often due to dampness, excessive moisture or building damages,” Tischer explained.

According to one theory — the “hygiene hypothesis” — living with the normal mix of microbes helps young children’s immune systems develop in a way that makes allergic reactions less likely.

Tischer said that getting rid of visible mold “might be a first important step in order to create a healthy environment at home.”

But, she added, the reasons for the mold problem have to be addressed too. That means steps like repairing leaky plumbing or other sources of water damage, and lowering humidity in the home with better ventilation.

About Andrea Fabry

Filed Under: Living with Environmental Illness Tagged With: allergy, Andrea Fabry, asthma, awareness, environmental illness, helpful tips, indoor air quality, mold exposure

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Toxic Mold Uproots Family’s Health and Home

July 25, 2011 By admin 1 Comment

Chris and Andrea Fabry were living a wonderful life with 9 children in a gorgeous home, surrounded by the beauty of Colorado. Yet, the Fabrys could never have been prepared for what was about to happen.

In 2007, they discovered mold in behind a shower, adjacent to their bedroom, then in 2008 they found more under another shower. Each time, they had the mold remediated, but unexplainable, declining health issues continued amongst the kids and even the pets. In October of 2009, they had to evacuate their home and abandon their possessions.

Since that time, the family has been living in Arizona and diligently working on recovery. As a former journalist, Andrea shares their stories, progress and what she learns in order to help others going through the same struggles: Our Health Journey and momsAWARE.

Chris and Andrea co-host a radio program called Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman. Chris is also an author and the host of Chris Fabry Live.

We are elated to announce that Andrea just joined the Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign as a blogger. Welcome, Andrea and thank you for caring about others living with mold injury and other environmental conditions!

About

Filed Under: Living with Environmental Illness Tagged With: Andrea Fabry, author, awareness, environmental illness, family, helpful tips, in the news, invisible disabilities, mold exposure, multiple chemical sensitivities, personal story, radio, video

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US Centers for Disease Control Follows Fragrance-Free Policy

June 10, 2011 By AndreaFabry Leave a Comment

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been following a fragrance-free policy as part of its “Indoor Environmental Quality Policy” since 2009. This clearly sets the stage for other public institutions to follow suit.

The policy has been instituted in all of the CDC’s offices, affecting more than 15,000 employees nationwide. According to this article appearing in the American Chronicle,

The goal of the policy is to promote and protect the health and well-being of CDC personnel, contractors, and visitors; to prevent work-related injury and illness, as well as harm and pollution of the environment; and to insure compliance with all applicable state, local, and federal regulations.

The policy contains extensive guidelines, which are quite significant for people suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), such as providing notices at least 5 working day in advance to the occupants, in case of renovation, demolition projects, and maintenance and operation activities conducted in Government-owned facilities as well as in leased facilities, and to schedule the work, if feasible, for non-duty hours, such as weekends, off hours, as in CDC’s own words, “This will allow individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, or people with chemical sensitivities that could be aggravated by construction activities, to make alternate arrangements to work away from the site.”

It says in the CDC policy that pest management for lawn and building care will emphasize non-chemical management strategies, that Integrated Pest Management practices must be used, and if pesticides are really needed, then only the least-toxic chemical controls would be used, and that the pest control products used in and around a building must be documented and that the MSDS will be made available upon request for building occupants.

In regard to the housekeeping guidelines, the following is stated:

“CDC will ensure that products used in the workplace, such as soaps, cleaning products, paints, etc., are safe and odor-free or emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the fullest extent feasible. Only green cleaning products shall be specified and used within CDC facilities and leased spaces unless otherwise approved by the Office of Health and Safety.”

It is also mentioned in the CDC policy to vacuum frequently and thoroughly using vacuums with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and that if carpets must be cleaned, that steam or least toxic, non-petroleum based, fragrance-free all-purpose cleaner or carpet cleaner will be used.

In regard to the buildings’ occupants, the CDC has a fragrance-free policy and a list of non-permissible products as stated by CDC:

“Scented or fragranced products are prohibited at all times in all interior space owned, rented, or leased by CDC. This includes the use of:

• Incense, candles, or reed diffusers
• Fragrance-emitting devices of any kind
• Wall-mounted devices, similar to fragrance-emitting devices, that operate automatically or by pushing a button to dispense deodorizers or disinfectants
• Potpourri
• Plug-in or spray air fresheners
• Urinal or toilet blocks
• Other fragranced deodorizer/re-odorizer products

Personal care products (e.g. colognes, perfumes, essential oils, scented skin and hair products) should not be applied at or near actual workstations, restrooms, or anywhere in CDC owned or leased buildings.

In addition, CDC encourages employees to be as fragrance-free as possible when they arrive in the workplace. Fragrance is not appropriate for a professional work environment, and the use of some products with fragrance may be detrimental to the health of workers with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma, and chronic headaches/migraines. Employees should avoid scented detergents and fabric softeners on clothes worn to the office. Many fragrance-free personal care and laundry products are easily available and provide safer alternatives.”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE

Department of Health & Human Services. Public Health Service. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC has issued the “Indoor Environmental Quality Policy.” June 2009.

About Andrea Fabry

Filed Under: Living with Environmental Illness

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Spring Cleaning Tips

About Andrea Fabry

An All Natural Crown

About Andrea Fabry

Amazing Hotel Accommodations for My Challenges

About Sherri

Our Vehicle Journey

About Andrea Fabry

Mold Inspection for Apartment

About Andrea Fabry

My Visit to Disneyland with Chemical Sensitivities

About Sherri

My Visit to Disneyland with Food Allergies

About Sherri

Allergies and Asthma Linked to Mold

About Andrea Fabry

Toxic Mold Uproots Family’s Health and Home

About

US Centers for Disease Control Follows Fragrance-Free Policy

About Andrea Fabry

Cleaner Indoor Air – A Campaign of

Friendships Over Fragrances

Cleaner Indoor Air

Toxins in Household Products

Family Uprooted

MCS Can Be Lonely

In the News