We are two dedicated listeners who usually appreciate your reporting. However we were shocked by the irresponsible one-sided piece about new policies at Halifax's hospital and university prohibiting use of perfumes and scented products.

While Mr. Simon stated that the policy was instated because these products trigger things from asthma to seizures, he interviewed only a perfume buyer. If he had done his homework, he would have learned that both the American Medical Association and the American Lung Association consider perfume and perfumed cosmetics to be dangerous triggers for asthma. If he did further research, he would discover that everyday products such as perfume, cleaning products and fabric softeners often contain dangerous toxins such as Formaldehyde, Benzene, Camphor and other EPA listed hazardous waste. Other diseases thought to be associated with toxins in fragrance products include: epilepsy, allergies, Environmental Illness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, migraines, chronic lung disease and vasomotor rhinitis.

It's too easy to make fun of things that don't affect us personally, and to go along with the conventional "wisdom". This is not only bad reporting, but it has a dangerous slandering effect on those who have the correct information. Further, as cases of asthma skyrocket, and more and more people become sick with Environmental Illness and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, we expect NPR to evaluate these issues fairly. To balance your reporting you might cover the investigation of Calvin Klein for the use of known toxins in their Eternity fragrance. This time please don't just interview Calvin Klein. It's time to take this seriously. One source of further information is Amy Marsh, President of the Environmental Health Network of California in Larkspur at 415-541-5075.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Hannah Doress
Emily Bender
Boston, MA