What may seem like a simple act of spraying perfume to start the day can have life-threatening consequences for individuals with asthma.
On 13th June 2023, Asthma and Allergy Foundation is launching its inaugural National Fragrance-Free Day to raise awareness of the impact of strong smells (fragrance) on people with asthma; Remind families, friends, and colleagues that before heading out for that meeting, when they think perfume, they should have asthmatics in mind; as well as highlight that perfume in a confined space has the potential to trigger an asthma attack, so people will be made aware as not everyone know this.
Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, said “In 2008, I was almost sent to an early grave in my mid 20s due to an asthma attack which was triggered by a colleague’s perfume. I died that day.
“I am incredibly lucky to still be here to this day and I will spend the rest of my days doing all in my power to help people with asthma- a condition that is often overlooked yet very life limiting and life threatening”
Working directly with asthma sufferers, their families, researchers, and healthcare professionals these past 14 years, we know that many people with asthma, just like Martina react badly to strong smells, perfume being the commonest.
We have launched National Fragrance-Free Day to help raise awareness of the many things that can trigger asthma, including perfume and raise vital funds to continue to provide evidence-based health information, confidential advice, and support to people with asthma, their families, and carers.
We invite everyone to participate in the ​#FragranceFreeChallenge, showcasing their commitment to support respiratory health by sharing their selfies on social media.
Join National Fragrance-Free Day​ on June 13th, to show your support for people with asthma.
​For more information about Fragrance-Free​ ​Day and how to support this campaign, visit ​www.asthmaandallergy.org.uk, email info@asthmaandallergy.org.uk
