In the past three decades fragrance use has gone from "special occasion" to the use of multiple scented products on a daily basis. 

	Modern scented products are formulated with stronger, longer lasting, fragrance. An expensive perfume lasts for many hours. Scent from laundry products now lasts for weeks. The widespread use of scented products creates a background of fragrance that is present all the time. 

	With increased usage and exposure to these volatile compounds, problems have emerged. The bioaccumulation of fragrance chemicals in human tissue can induce or worsen such health conditions as: respiratory and airway irritation, sinus problems, asthma, allergies, migraine headaches, rhinitis, and many others.

	There are over 17.3 million asthmatics in the US. Some 35 million suffer from chronic sinus infections, and another 9 million suffer from rhinitis. There are millions more with chronic respiratory disease. While these conditions certainly overlap, they still represent millions of people and a significant, and expanding, portion of the population.

	Those with existing conditions are more susceptible to the effects of irritants, often at levels that are many times lower than what would cause problems in the general population making their exposure comparable to that of being exposed to second-hand smoke and giving rise to the saying: “Your Perfume - My poison”

Awake 6/8/92 pg.30
...the Bible does not condemn the use of fragrances, so individuals can make a personal decision in this regard. (Compare Exodus 30:7; John 12:3-5.) Nevertheless, a Christian would certainly want to take into consideration the adverse effects perfume might have on others, for example at congregation meetings.

Please also read these articles in the August 8th 2000 Awake:
•	Multiple Chemical Sensitivity – A Mysterious Malady
•	When Chemicals Make You Sick
•	Helping Those With MCS