Dear Sir or Madam:

We live in a society whose motto has become "It's not my problem." Each day, the media presents us with stories of human suffering taking place here and around the world. The response of most U.S. citizens is predictable: as long as their world is not directly impacted or affected, they see little reason to become overly involved or to take direct action. I must admit, I was such a person earlier in my life. I was young, healthy and vibrant. I would stop, briefly listen to someone's sad story, then move on with my life.

I recognize now that my apathy was not an instinctive reaction - rather it was something I learned from watching people around me. My response (or lack thereof) was a perfect mirror image of behavior I observed in America's leaders and community members. I was playing a societal game called "denial," a game that allowed no room for acknowledging and responding to illness, disease, and death.

What a difference 10 years makes. I no longer participate in this dangerous game of illusion. In a sense I am a traitor, a defector of sorts. I am no longer healthy and vibrant. I have a disease called endometriosis - a chronic and horribly painful disease that affects at least 5 million women in the United States. I also have developed an allergic asthmatic reaction to chemicals, fragrances, exhaust and smoke.

It's ironic sitting on the other side of the fence. I watch as family, friends, community members, and leaders continue to play on. Some try to distance themselves from me; others launch an attack against me. After all, I am a threat to their illusion of invincibility. I do my best to educate those who will listen and to remind them that one day my problem could very easily be theirs. But more times than not, my words fall on deaf ears.

I share these insights with you today, because it is my hope that the FDA will not turn a deaf ear to those us of who suffer significant health problems stemming from exposure to fragrances and perfumes. We are proof that all is not well (contrary to what some would like to believe). There are millions of individuals with medical conditions that are dangerously exacerbated by the chemicals found in cosmetics and perfumes. It is time to get involved and take action.

As you are aware, on May 1, 1999, the Environmental Health Network (EHN) submitted a petition to have Calvin Klein's "Eternity eau de parfum" declared misbranded. I am writing because I fully support this petition and request that the FDA give it careful attention with regard to your regulations 21CFR Sec. 740.1, 21 CFR Sec. 740.2, and 21CFR Sec. 740.10. As the petition shows, "Eternity" contains toxic ingredients whose safety have not been substantiated. There is no warning label on its packaging.

Like cigarette smoke, the chemicals found in this type of product affect the health of many people including women like myself with endometriosis, as well as people with asthma, chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue and other environmental illnesses. Please break through the wall of denial and act on behalf of the millions of people who suffer very real physical illness and injury resulting from fragrance exposure. Thank you.

Kimberly C. Kelly