The American Medical Association Recognizes Fragrance Sensitivity and MCS

In June 2025, the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted a groundbreaking policy – H-135.902 on Fragrance Sensitivity and Regulation – formally recognizing that “some environmental exposures may have the potential to substantially limit major life activities of an individual with fragrance sensitivity and related disorders.”

This historic move marks a significant advancement in medical understanding and leadership on fragrance sensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). The policy acknowledges that:

Fragrance sensitivity, also known as MCS, may constitute disabling conditions;
Fragrance-free policies are essential in healthcare, government, nonprofit spaces, and all areas constituting a fundamental need for human living;
Research is urgently needed to improve awareness, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention; and
Thorough and accurate product labelling, ingredient disclosure and allergen identification are crucial to protect public health.

The AMA’s Council on Science and Public Health has also clearly linked MCS and fragrance sensitivity in its supporting documentation, emphasizing the importance of clinical and regulatory action.

Click here to view the full report from the AMA’s Council on Science and Public Health. The AMA’s stance on fragrance is listed under the Resolution 501-A-24 and can be found in the pages 749–783.

ASEQ-EHAQ’s Leadership and Advocacy

The Environmental Health Association of Québec (ASEQ-EHAQ) and the Environmental Health Association of Canada (EHAC-ASEC) have taken decisive action to bring this issue to the forefront of Canadian medical and policy discussions.

In September 2025, ASEQ-EHAQ and EHAC-ASEC sent a detailed letter to the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), urging it to:

Recognize fragrance sensitivity and MCS as disabling conditions, in line with the AMA’s policy;
Develop and promote fragrance-free guidelines across healthcare facilities;
Support continuing medical education on fragrance sensitivity and environmental determinants of health; and
Advocate for national research investment into MCS and related disorders.

This letter was also shared with provincial medical associations, disability organizations, and federal and provincial ministers responsible for health, environment, disability, and housing. In addition to political offices, the letter was shared with Canadian academic institutions, notably, their medical department, faculties of public health, and national health organizations such as Health Canada.

Through our indoor air quality (IAQ) workshops and field research, ASEQ-EHAQ has consistently demonstrated that well-enforced fragrance-free policies lead to measurable improvements in both qualitative and quantitative environmental indicators, significantly reducing harmful chemical levels in shared spaces.

By initiating this national conversation, ASEQ-EHAQ is working to ensure that Canada recognizes fragrance sensitivity and MCS as legitimate, disabling conditions – and that affected individuals can access safe, inclusive environments and appropriate medical care.

How You Can Help

We invite all who share our vision to support this movement toward fragrance-free, accessible spaces in Canada.

If you believe that Canada should follow the AMA’s example and take a leadership role in protecting individuals with fragrance sensitivity and MCS, please consider:

Sending a letter of support or advocacy to ASEQ-EHAQ;
Sharing our statement with your professional or community networks;
Encouraging your healthcare institutions and workplaces to adopt fragrance-free policies.

Click below for a few sample letters which can be sent to your local health practitioners, physicians, clinicians, and any other establishments you feel should enforce fragrance-free policies. Feel free to adapt the letters to your needs, and adjust them accordingly.

SAMPLE LETTERS (View the letters in PDF format)

CONTACTS

Your voice can help ensure that those living with MCS and fragrance sensitivity are recognized, protected, and included in all aspects of society.

Learn more: aseq-ehaq.ca