AMA Supports Fragrance-Free Policies

One of the most significant wins for the fragrance-free movement in 2025 was the endorsement of fragrance-free policies by the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA released an official statement on their website, recommending that healthcare facilities, government agencies, & nonprofit organizations implement these policies. Not only that, but they acknowledged fragrance exposure has “the potential to substantially limit major life activities of an individual with fragrance sensitivity…”. While much of the population is largely unaware of the significant health risk fragrance exposure poses, it’s encouraging to see a well-respected medical organization take it seriously. However, this isn’t the first medical organization to recommend fragrance-free policies. Back in 2016, the American Lung Association (ALA) had already discussed the need for change here. On the resources page of our website, you can find sample letters from the ALA to create fragrance-free policies for schools, employers, & building management.

Hopefully, with multiple respected medical associations endorsing the need to go fragrance-free, this will lead to greater acceptance within the medical system and population of the reality that fragrance sensitivity can be incredibly disabling & life-altering. Medical clinics can create healthier environments for patients by avoiding the use of air fresheners, using fragrance-free cleaning products, sending reminders to patients to refrain from wearing fragrance before appointments, & preventing staff from wearing fragranced products (such as cologne, perfume, or scented laundry detergent).  

References:

https://policysearch.ama-assn.org/policyfinder/detail/fragrance?uri=%2FAMADoc%2FHOD.xml-H-135.902.xml

https://www.lung.org/blog/retire-unhealthy-air-at-work