Topsham resident Alison Johnson will screen her documentary “Fragrance-Free Workplaces” Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Curtis Memorial Library’s Morrell Room.

Johnson is an author, filmmaker and activist who spreads awareness for what has been characterized in some medical circles as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, which she said she has suffered from for more than 40 years.

Those affected may become ill after coming in contact with common fragrances such as perfume, cleaning agents and air fresheners. Symptoms may occur after exposure to certain chemicals.

“Fragrance-Free Workplaces” chronicles the struggles of many individuals afflicted, including a chemical engineer from Minnesota named named Abner Fish who had to leave his job after developing the disorder. After that, Fish worked 20 different jobs over 10 years.

“Two things that were very difficult for him were new carpeted floor and the perfume of fellow workers,” said Johnson. “He went from teaching kids to counseling in a halfway house, and ended up flipping burgers. But whenever an employee would come in wearing perfume, or new carpeting would be installed, he would have to resign. He was getting headaches, vomiting and couldn’t concentrate.”

Eventually, Fish committed suicide, said Johnson.

“I think most people don’t realize how serious it is,” said Johnson of MCS. “They don’t realize people are dying.”

Those who believe they suffer from MCS can treat the symptoms with detox methods.

Johnson said many workplaces do not recognize that the disease is an issue and fail to accommodate people suffering from MCS.

Many medical facilities “basically ignore MCS,” Johnson said, and she believes the United States government has not given the disorder enough attention.

There does not appear to be a consensus in the medical community about MCS, which is not recognized by the American Medical Association nor by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, according to published reports.

Though Johnson has not had much luck reaching out to government officials including Sen. Susan Collins regarding regarding MCS research funding. In 1999, after watching Johnson’s first documentary “Multiple Chemical Sensitivity,” Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, wrote in a letter addressed to Johnson: “There is no question in my mind that multiple chemical sensitivity is a very serious and growing problem affecting many, many Americans. This video production should be widely viewed.”

bgoodridge@timesrecord.com

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