@melissaazgirl - that's a tough one. I hate to put people out, but I am miserable allergy-wise being in a room with people with various fragrances. In a situation like a choir practice, all the worse, as I will gradually lose my voice.

I find in these types of situations it's best to speak to the person in charge of the event/group privately and see if they will make an announcement about fragrances. In today's climate, I'm finding more and more that they are happy to do so.

How have you handled talking to groups to get them to refrain from wearing fragrances?

@melissaazgirl Hi Melissa, so sorry you’re dealing with this too. It’s not fun. I find it helpful explaining to people that these fragrances are toxic for everyone and you are hypersensitive to it. 1200 of these chemical chemicals have been banned in Europe and Asia and not banned in North America, including formaldehyde, which makes the smells last longer. Try to explain to them that scented candles, diffusers, fabric softeners, as well as perfumes keep you from joining the group and these chemicals can also have long lasting toxic effects on them as well. They do smell nice, but they’re just toxic chemicals. I have found many of my friends have cleaned these products out of their homes and lives as a result. Good luck to you.