When attending English country dances in Oak Park, please refrain as much as possible from wearing or using products that contain synthetic fragrances. These can include:

• Perfumes and colognes
• Lotion and deodorant
• Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
• Laundry detergent and fabric softener
• Any other scented personal or household product

Unscented commercial products, as well as products that use only essential oils for fragrance, are usually well tolerated. At the dance venue, we will provide fragrance-free hand soap and hand sanitizer.

Why Fragrance-Free?

Increasing numbers of people are developing allergies and sensitivities to a variety of chemical ingredients used in commercially-produced fragrances. Such fragrances are found in a wide range of household and personal products. Since we do not ingest these fragrances, their ingredients are not regulated by the FDA. However, we do bring them into our systems by contact and by inhalation, and many of these ingredients are somewhat toxic. In sensitive individuals, the toxic chemicals may act as respiratory irritants, cardiac stimulants, or neurotoxins, and the resulting symptoms range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.

Thank you for your help in keeping the dance environment healthful for everyone!