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EHN [of California]
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The Environmental Health Network of California
Files Petition With the FDA

Environmental Sensitivities
and
Scented Products


April 14, 2001

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

    Re: Docket Number: 99P-1340/CP 1
    Petition the FDA to Have Calvin Klein's Eternity eau de parfum declared "misbranded"

Dear Sir or Madam:

In May, 1999, the Environmental Health Network (EHN) submitted the above petition to have Calvin Klein's "Eternity eau de parfum" declared misbranded. I am writing because I fully support this petition and request that the FDA give it careful attention with regard to your regulations 21CFR Sec. 740.1, 21CFR Sec. 740.2, and 21CFR Sec. 740.10. Regulation 21CFR Sec. 740.10 specifically states:

    "Each ingredient used in a cosmetic product and each finished cosmetic product shall be adequately substantiated for safety prior to marketing. Any such ingredient or product whose safety is not adequately substantiated prior to marketing is misbranded unless it contains the following conspicuous statement on the principal display panel:    "Warning--The safety of this product has not been determined."

As the petition shows, "Eternity" contains toxic ingredients and ingredients whose safety have not been substantiated. There is no warning label on its packaging.

We all have a right to know the status of safety testing of the ingredients in products such as "Eternity" so that we can protect ourselves and our families from toxic chemicals that may cause health problems. Most people are not aware that most fragrance materials have only limited safety testing. They wrongfully assume these products are safe to use in any setting and are surprised when people complain.

Like tobacco smoke, the harmful chemicals currently used in these products may affect the health of many people, including: people with asthma, chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue, and other environmental illnesses. Children are particularly vulnerable to toxic chemicals found in products purchased and used by their parents, caregivers and teachers. When I am exposed to fragrance products, such as "Eternity," I experience any of the following symptoms based upon the chemical fragrance product I encounter:

    __anaphylaxis/shock _X_double vision _X_incoherence
    _X_nausea _X_anxiety, restlessness _X_ear pain
    _X_incontinence __nose bleeds __asthma
    _X_eczema _X_irritability _X_rashes
    _X_breathing difficulty _X_eyes, watery or dry _X_joint aches
    __seizures __bronchitis _X_fatigue
    _X_laryngitis _X_short-term mem. loss _X_can't concentrate
    __flushing _X_lethargy _X_sinusitis
    _X_coughing _ X_headaches __lymph nodes swell
    _X_sneezing _X_depression _X_heart beat irregularity
    _X_mood swings _X_sores, skin/mouth _X_disorientation
    _X_hives _X_muscle pain/weakness __swallowing difficulty
    __dizziness _X_hypertension _X_nasal congestion
    _X_tinnitus Cant leave my house - other  

Please act on behalf of the millions of people who have suffered physical illness and injury resulting from fragrance exposure at work, at school and in social settings. These toxic chemicals act as powerful barriers to people disabled by asthma and chemical sensitivities. Toxic chemicals in fragrances have already ruined countless lives.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Rohini Peris







Return to Avoid Fragrances
http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/a.htm#AVOID

Return to EHN's HomePage
www.ehnca.org

Return to FDA Petition
http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/bkgrinfo.htm

Return to Fragrance-Free Information
http://ehnca.org/www/ehnlinx/f.htm#Fragrance-free


Return to Index of Letters in Support of Petition
http://ehnca.org/www/FDApetition/letindex.htm


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ehnindex.htm -- 11/ 6/99

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 this page is http://ehnca.org/www/fdapetition/rhconrad.htm