Bren Ames | Support HB1544

Adopting fragrance-free cleaning policies in state-owned buildings is a vital step toward ensuring equal access and public health. Indoor air is often 2 to 5 times, (sometimes much more), polluted than outdoor air. Fragrances in cleaning products and other facility maintenance products such as pesticides and biocides contain volatile (easily airborne) substances that are major contributors to this pollution. Synthetic fragrances and even 'natural' essential oils used in facility maintenance emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be directly harmful and can also react with indoor ozone to create hazardous secondary pollutants like formaldehyde. The American Medical Association’s (AMA) 2025 Fragrance Regulation (Resolution 501, A-24) explicitly recognizes that fragrance has no place in healthcare settings. The AMA acknowledges that these exposures limit the accessibility of public settings and encourages government agencies to adopt and promote fragrance-free policies. We urge you to align with existing health-first policies established by the CDC and U.S. Access Board. Fragrance sensitivity affects over 30% of the population, triggering respiratory distress, migraines, and mental confusion. For many, fragrance is a significant disability barrier. Chronic exposure to certain cleaning products has been shown to be as toxic to the lungs as smoking. Providing fragrance-free air is a necessary reasonable accommodation for those with respiratory conditions and invisible disabilities such as chemical sensitivities. It is also critical to avoid preventable harms for those in life stages with increased vulnerability, such as during fetal development and childhood, and for individuals with conditions like autism, ADHD, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Implementation is a cost-effective measure for public health: • Prohibit fragrance-emitting devices such as plug-in air fresheners, wall-mounted deodorizers, and scented candles. • Prohibit cleaning and maintenance products that contain fragrances and 'odor control' masking scents. • Transition to least-toxic cleaners. Alternatives can often be simple, such as vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. • Post "Fragrance-Free Zone" signage at entrances to notify the public of this accessibility standard. HEAL (Human Ecology Action League) members have friends, family, and community in New Hampshire, and we strongly support the adoption of this bill. State buildings must remain open to all. By adopting these science-based standards, the state fulfills its obligation to provide safe, inclusive environments for the public.