The bride, several members of the wedding party, and innumerable guests have a condition called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) which is a defect of the detoxification systems. Exposure to even small amounts of toxins in the air can cause headaches/migraines, rashes, neurological effects, asthma attacks (the bride's is life-threatening), and other symptoms. We ask that you minimize your use of scents and chemicals for the wedding events to help avoid any medical emergencies.
Cigarette smoke (there will be designated smoking areas available)
Perfume (even "natural fragrance")
Strongly scented personal care products (including lotion, splashes, deodorant, soaps, and shampoos)
Hairspray
Clothes very recently laundered in scented detergent or fabric softener
Clothes very recently dry-cleaned
Scented sunscreen
Bug spray/repellent
We will have fragrance-free products available for your use at Isis Oasis. If you want something earlier, just let us know and we will deliver it to your hotel, or mail it to your home. Our gift to you as a thank you for helping make our wedding safe for all.
A special note about hairspray: The bride in particular reacts severely to hairspray with sudden-onset neurological symptoms including collapsing to the ground with the inability to control her muscles, sometimes even losing the ability to speak. These symptoms can last an hour or more. A single whiff of hairspray, even from across the room, can cause this. She will react even if you apply hairspray hours before you arrive. We will have a nontoxic (but very effective) hairspray available to all guests.
Questions? Not sure about a product? Need products sent to you? Please do not hesitate to contact Cyndi at cyndi@tikvah.com.