Lori DeMoss | Support HB1544

Written Testimony in Support of HB 1544 - An Act Prohibiting the Use of Scented Products in Public Areas of State Buildings Dear Members of the Committee, I am writing in strong support of HB 1544. This bill is a medically grounded, narrowly tailored measure that would improve equal access to New Hampshire state buildings by limiting the use of fragranced products in public areas. For many residents, exposure to fragranced products is not a matter of comfort or preference but a serious health barrier. Scented air fresheners, cleaning products, and other fragranced items can trigger asthma attacks, migraines, respiratory distress, and neurological symptoms, making it unsafe or impossible for some individuals to enter public buildings. In this way, fragranced environments can function as an invisible but very real barrier to accessing essential government services. New Hampshire consistently reports some of the highest adult asthma prevalence rates in the nation. Nearly 14 percent of adults and about 8 percent of children in the state have asthma, well above the national average. According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, asthma contributes to more than 4,000 emergency department visits annually and approximately $177 million in annual medical costs, with disproportionate impacts on women, lower-income residents, and those with limited access to preventive care. Per the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, a substantial share of asthma cases in the state remain poorly controlled, affecting nearly half of adults and about one-third of children with the condition. This highlights the importance of reducing avoidable triggers in public environments, particularly in spaces that residents must enter to access essential government services. The presence of fragranced products indoors directly undermines asthma control efforts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies air fresheners and fragranced products as indoor air pollutants that emit volatile organic compounds which can persist in the air and contribute to adverse health effects. These chemicals are associated with asthma exacerbations, respiratory irritation, headaches, migraines, and neurological effects. Even low-level exposures can provoke symptoms in sensitive individuals, including both visitors and state employees. Fragrance sensitivity is widespread and distinct from diagnosed asthma. National studies indicate that roughly one-third of U.S. adults report adverse health effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products such as air fresheners, scented detergents, or cleaning agents and a significant portion of the population has medically confirmed fragrance contact allergy. There is substantial overlap between fragrance sensitivity and respiratory disease. Research shows that well over half of individuals with asthma report sensitivity to fragranced products, and that exposure can trigger immediate secondary symptoms, including asthma attacks, in a significant portion of this group. Fragranced environments therefore pose heightened risks to individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Common reactions to fragranced products include respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, as well as neurological and dermatologic effects including migraines, dizziness, nausea, and contact dermatitis. These reactions are well documented by occupational health and medical guidance sources. The societal and workplace impacts are also significant. National surveys indicate that nearly one in four people avoids certain public places, including restrooms, government buildings, or other indoor spaces, due to fragrance exposure that makes them ill. A meaningful share of the workforce reports lost productivity, missed workdays, or job disruption related to fragrance exposure in indoor environments. As a result, fragrance sensitivity is increasingly addressed in the context of disability accommodation and workplace accessibility. HB 1544 is consistent with existing medical and governmental guidance. The American Medical Association recommends that government agencies adopt fragrance-free policies. Federal accessibility guidance emphasizes reducing unnecessary chemical exposures in public environments. State asthma control plans, including New Hampshire’s, identify indoor air quality and pollutant reduction as key strategies for improving health outcomes. Importantly, this bill is reasonable and limited in scope. It does not regulate personal fragrance use, does not apply to private spaces, and does not require enforcement against individuals. It applies only to state-controlled products and fragrance-dispensing devices in public areas of state buildings and includes a one-year implementation period. Fragrance-free cleaning and restroom products are widely available at equal or lower cost, meaning this policy can be implemented without financial burden and may result in long-term savings through reduced health impacts, absenteeism, and accommodation needs. Adopting fragrance-free standards in public areas of state buildings would improve indoor air quality, protect vulnerable populations, reduce barriers to government access, and support a healthier workplace for state employees. Many hospitals, clinics, and public institutions already operate under similar policies, demonstrating that these measures are practical, effective, and sustainable. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to support HB 1544. Doing so will help ensure that New Hampshire’s state buildings are accessible, inclusive, and safe for all residents, employees, and visitors. Thank you for your time and consideration.