TO THE HONOURABLE THE PARLIAMENT AND MEMBERS OF THE SENATE IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED
The Petition of the undersigned shows:
There are currently over 100,000 man made chemicals in our lives and this figure increases annually. Most of these chemicals are not assessed for toxicity or regulated by government. Fragrances can contain as many as 100 different ingredients* and are mixtures of solvents, other toxic and allergenic substances, with little known about the toxicology of mixtures. Many individuals in the community are sensitive to chemicals e.g. allergy sufferers, asthmatics, and those with existing chemical injury. Their health problems are exacerbated by exposure to fragranced products, detergents, disinfectants, air fresheners, and others. These individuals cannot access health care facilities, in-home services, respite, refuges and other crisis accommodation because of fragranced products, which can cause life threatening allergic reactions and needless ill health. *Baker, H. 1997. Chemical warfare at work. New Scientist. p.30-35, June 21.
As access to quality health care for all Australians is a basic human right that must be ensured. Your petitioner asks that in the absence of adequate data to demonstrate the safety of fragranced products, the Senate should apply the precautionary principle and:
§ Legislate to ban the use of fragranced products in all health care facilities i.e. hospitals, doctors surgeries, ambulances, pathology and x-ray facilities, optometrists, pharmacies, dentists, podiatrists, physiotherapists, naturopaths, chiropractors etc.
§ Legislate to ban the use of fragranced personal care products by all health care workers and all patients/visitors attending these facilities.
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