• Functions as an interest group for persons with intolerance to fragrance and chemicals

 

• Supports the patients and organizes peer meetings

 

• Informs about intolerance to fragrance and chemicals

 

• The Association is politically independent and national.

 

All persons with fragrance and chemical intolerance, their family members and others interested in the

issue are welcome to join the Association. Together we are strong and will regain faith in the future.

 

 

 

Chemical intolerances are an increasing problem also in Finland. The underlying cause of the illness is

unknown, but research is under way. The degree of the intolerance varies from person to person. Some of

 

the patients may lead a normal life as long as they don’t use fragrances themselves, whereas others react

to such small amounts that e.g. chemicals from detergents or perfumes in the environment are enough to

cause severe symptoms.

 

 

Fragrance and chemical intolerance can manifest itself in many ways. Typical symptoms are headache,

nausea, eye-, mucosa-, skin- and respiratory symptoms as well as many general symptoms such as

dizziness and fatigue. At their worst the symptoms completely prevent work or leisure activities in

an environment with irritating substances. When the intolerant aren’t exposed to chemicals, they are

symptomless and feel well.

 

 

There is no cure for this condition yet, although some medical treatments may relieve the symptoms.

The best way to reduce the symptoms is avoiding exposure to irritant substances. Therefore the purity

of outdoor and indoor air is important to the chemically intolerant. Pure indoor air doesn’t only mean

effective ventilation, but also avoiding the use of chemicals indoors as much as possible. It is worth while

for an intolerant person to prefer fragrance-free products and low-emission M1-class materials. Moisture

damages should always be repaired at an early stage, because exposure to mold may cause or exacerbate

the intolerance. The intolerant can also use personal masks to protect themselves.

 

 

If a person near you is intolerant to fragrances, you can help them by using fragrance-free products and

by keeping irritant substances away from them. Fragrant flowers or any scented product can make the

intolerant feel ill. It is advisable to bring the issue up frankly with them and take up a natural attitude

 

towards the possible protection methods. One can become intolerant to fragrances and chemicals only

by exposure, therefore it is always important to reduce the chemical burden of the environment. By

refraining from the use of unnecessary chemicals, you can avoid health problems.

 

 

The Finnish Association for Persons with Intolerance to Fragrance and Chemicals

 

P.O.Box 23

 

15151 LAHTI

 

FINLAND

 

E-mail: hakeinfo @ gmail. com

 

Home page: www.hajusteyliherkkyys.com