In December 2017, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake adopted a Scent Free Policy By-law with respect to all of its facilities.  In May 2018, at our Annual General Meeting, Niagara-on-the-Lake Newcomers passed a by-law asking all members to adhere to our Scent Free Policy.

For some people the presence of a scent can cause serious health issues.  Shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, dizziness and numbness are just some of the reactions caused by the chemicals in scented products.  In some cases it can lead to hospitalization.  NOTL Newcomers asks all of its members to adhere to our Scent Free Policy and to refrain from wearing scented products when attending Newcomer events and activities, irrespective of where they are taking place.

A scented product is much more than just perfume.  A scented product may include but is not limited to: deodorant, hairspray, body lotion, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, household cleaner, candles and garbage bags.  One scent may contain hundreds of different chemicals.  Our government does not regulate these toxic chemicals.  We should not be inhaling these toxins, or forcing others to do so.

Residual fragrances from scented products can stay on skin, hair and clothes for weeks or even months.    Even after numerous washings!  Synthetic scents (chemicals) are designed to be 'sticky' to last longer and are strongly scented to appeal to the public.

Generally we think that it is a personal choice to use scented products, however, fragrance chemicals by their very nature are shared.  The chemicals vapourize into the air and are easily inhaled.  This is similar to second hand smoke.  Both second hand smoke and scents have a negative effect on our air quality and thus our health.

Inhalation of scented products (chemicals) can cause a variety of reactions in individuals.  For some, a scent may cause a headache, for others the situation can be life threatening.  Scents can cause blood pressure to rise significantly, cause an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath or trigger severe asthma attacks.

The position of having a scent free Newcomers Club has been adopted for health reasons and not because of some dislike of fragrances.  Therefore, once again we urge you to come and enjoy all of the activities that Newcomers has to offer, in a scent free, healthy environment.