Deidra Kragnes

I am someone who has experienced adverse reactions to fragrance chemicals since childhood. When I was about eight years old, using scented dish soap caused severe rashes on my arms, from my fingertips to my elbows. I was probably reacting earlier than that, this was just the first time it was perfectly clear how much one product was affecting me. This led me to needing to avoid fragranced products my entire life. Experiences like this are not rare, and they illustrate how fragrance exposures can have serious health consequences. Between the existing AMA regulation and the evidence that fragrance-free products do not cost more to purchase, there appears to be no practical or financial barrier to passing this bill. It is important to remember that this legislation is not about regulating individual people; it is about regulating the indoor air environment. Scented cleaning products and air fresheners can make buildings inaccessible to people with fragrance sensitivities or allergies. While individuals who wear fragrance may be avoided, contaminated indoor air from cleaning products and air fresheners cannot. This makes the issue one of public health and accessibility. The American Medical Association takes this issue seriously. In June 2025, at its annual meeting in Chicago, the AMA adopted its first Fragrance Regulation, policy H-135.902. AMA policy H-135.902 states that “...some environmental exposures may have the potential to substantially limit major life activities of an individual with fragrance sensitivity,...” and it “...encourages health care facilities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to adopt and promote fragrance-free policies.” This bill aligns with established medical guidance and represents a necessary step toward safer, more accessible public spaces. As a co-founder of the Fragrance Free Coalition, I appreciate that your state is taking the lead in this much-needed shift.