ACTION: Portland Fragrance Ban: Thanking City Officials

Dear Readers and Colleagues,

We spend many long hours working hard to educate others about the toxicity of fragrances and their effect on people.   The City of Portland in Oregon has several chemically sensitive workers and just banned fragrances from Portland city buildings.  This is a wonderful step in the right direction!  As city officials deal with overwhelming response to this new regulation from industry and the public, it is important that we thank them and encourage them. 

 

We are asking that you write a short note of thanks to city officials.  Our city officials are busy, so this note should be short and to the point.  The purpose here is not to vent our frustrations, complain about our health problems, or criticize the new policy shortcomings.  To do any of that would overburden officials and discourage further actions in our favor.  Shortcomings can be addressed later with positive requests for additional policy changes.  This is a great first step, so let's keep notes short and to the point of thanking officials for taking this important step to protect the health of all employees and visitors to city buildings.  Here are guidelines for the note:

 

1.  It should be no longer than two or three sentences.

2.  It should focus on thanking the officials for protecting everyone's health.

3.  It should not go on and on about your medical problems.

4.  It should not criticize the shortcomings of the policy.

 

A sample letter:

 

Dear City Official,

I commend you for the ban on fragranced products within Portland city buildings.

 

Fragrances have become ubiquitous in the environment, yet the ingredients remain undisclosed, unregulated by the FDA and over 80% of them have not been tested for human safety. 

 

While some may find it difficult to switch to fragrance free products, you have taken a step toward reducing asthma, allergies, chemical sensitivity, cancer, heart disease, neurological problems.  In the long run, change is good and you have taken and important first step toward better worker health and higher productivity.

 

Once again, thank you so very much!

Sincerely,

 

Your Name

 

Email Addresses of Portland City Officials

 

Sam Adams, Samadams@portlandoregon.gov

Amanda Fritz, amanda@portlandoregon.gov

Nick Fish, nick@portlandoregon.gov  
Randy Leonard, randy@portlandoregon.gov
Dan Saltzman, dan@portlandoregon.gov
LaVonne griffin-Valade, LaVonne.griffin-Valade@portlandoregon.gov
Stacy Brewster, Stacy.Brewster@portlandoregon.gov

Detail Information on Portland City Officials

 

Sam Adams, Mayor
Commissioner of Finance and Administration
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 340, 97204
Phone: (503) 823-4120
E-mail: Samadams@portlandoregon.gov

Amanda Fritz
Commissioner of Public Utilities, Position Number 1
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 220, 97204
Phone: (503) 823-3008
E-mail: amanda@portlandoregon.gov

Nick Fish
Commissioner of Public Works, Position Number 2
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Ave, Room 240, 97204
(503) 823-3589
e-mail: Nick@portlandoregon.gov

Randy Leonard
Commissioner of Public Safety, Position Number 4
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 210, 97204
Phone: (503) 823-4682
E-mail: randy@portlandoregon.gov
 
Dan Saltzman
Commissioner of Public Affairs, Position Number 3
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 230, 97204
Phone: (503) 823-4151
E-mail: dan@portlandoregon.gov   

LaVonne Griffin-Valade
City Auditor
City Hall @ 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 140, 97204
Phone: (503) 823-4078
E-mail: lavonne.griffin-valade@portlandoregon.gov