Members of our community have severe and debilitating allergies and sensitivities to synthetic fragrances (as well as dust, mold, and certain foods). If you visit MAPLE or attend a MAPLE event, we appreciate your help in caring for these community members by helping us maintain an environment that is completely free from synthetic fragrances. This guide has been prepared to help you prepare to be as fragrance-free as possible upon arrival and throughout your stay.
The two are very different. An allergy is an immune malfunction to a substance that is not generally harmful for most people (e.g. cat and dog dander). A sensitivity is a correct but heightened immune response to a pollutant that is harmful to all life.
Despite their prolific use in public spaces, synthetic fragrances are known neurotoxins and universal indoor air pollutants. (Click here and here for references.) By striving to be fragrance-free at MAPLE (and beyond), you are honoring your own body and that of others, cultivating mindful awareness, and reducing your environmental footprint.
Lately, we have noticed a surge in the strength and relentlessness of synthetic fragrance in commonly used detergents and sanitizers. We request that all of our guests keep this issue in mind as they follow preliminary de-fragrancing procedures at home to prepare for their arrival.
General Rule of Thumb: If it isn’t labeled “Fragrance Free,” don’t bring it or use it in the weeks before your arrival. Start as soon as possible. This may mean purchasing fragrance-free alternatives to your usual hygiene products (see product recommendations and links at the bottom of this email). The words “fragrance” and “parfum” in ingredient lists mean that chemical fragrances are present. Natural products lightly scented with essential oils are fine.
Synthetic fragrance can be found in:
Baking soda, vinegar, and the sun work to reduce or eliminate the presence of fragrance. We recommend you gather all the clothes you plan to bring to MAPLE and go through the following process.
Note that washers and dryers, like your clothes, will carry traces of the synthetic fragrance. Sanitize your washing machine (this may take several tries) with baking soda before trying to de-fragrance your clothing. While drying by sun is best, if you need to use a dryer, you will also need to de-scent it first. If you are unable to de-scent your washer and dryer, make sure to expose your clothes to sunlight for as long as possible.
We acknowledge that this is a difficult process, most everyone has trouble with it! We are happy to provide you with clothing to wear during your stay if you arrive fragranced.
There are many products that will work; we’ve made this list to make things as easy as possible for you to prepare for your visit: