Letters: Why can’t people be more courteous to those who are sensitive to scents?

Too smelly

I hear people talking about outdoor air pollution and strong smells that can make some people sick. But I don’t hear much about fragrances from home dryer vents that discharge into the open air or the too many aromas people intentionally use indoors.

A 2009 study from the Journal of Environmental Health concluded that as much as 19% of the population suffers from reactions to air fresheners. Many others are sensitive to these chemicals, myself included.

I am always suffering with sinus problems, and pressure builds up in my ear so much that I sometimes get really dizzy. Perfume, cologne, oil plug-ins and many other scented items contain phthalates, which have been linked to an increase of allergic reactions in children.

I always use unscented products, but the problem I have is with other people’s strong fragrances lingering even after they leave the room. I’ve had issues with overwhelming scents at church.

Many people tell me that when outside temperatures dip below freezing, I will feel better. No, these products don’t freeze.

Everyone seems to have their rights today. I would like to have the right to breathe fresh, clean air.

- Gerry Stallard, Gladstone

Look skyward

Congressional Republicans have yet to blame the Martians for meddling in the 2016 election, but be patient.

President Donald Trump and his first- or second-favorite dictator, Russian President Vladimir Putin, would get a chuckle out of that.

- Jim Kilen, Kansas City