Fragrance-Free Church: Martha McLaughlin

The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast

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This episode is titled “Fragrance-Free Church?”

The focus is on churches, however, I think the discussion is relevant for anyone with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) who may be struggling to access indoor spaces, whether they are run by faith-based organizations or not.

I’m speaking with Martha McLaughlin, author of the extraordinary book “Chemicals and Christians: Compassion and Caution.” Martha spent years exploring the science behind the illness and makes it accessible to everyone in her book.
In our conversation, Martha discusses:

• A process of grief and acceptance that many people with MCS go through as they navigate life with the condition.
  
• How people with MCS who go to church face barriers because of the presence of scented products.
  
• The steps Martha and others have taken to ask churches to become fragrance-free, how churches have responded, and how churches could do more to ensure they are not excluding people with chemical sensitivities.

I hope you enjoy the conversation and find it of benefit.

Chemicals and Christians website by Martha McLaughlin.
Prayer for people with MCS and Environmental Illness.
DISCLAIMER: THIS PODCAST AND WEBSITE DO NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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1. Fragrance-Free Church: Martha McLaughlin (00:00:00)

2. Aaron introduces the podcast and episode. (00:00:06)

3. Martha addresses how she will speak to people who are not Christians and Christians also. (00:03:34)

4. Martha talks about how she first became interested in writing her book, Chemicals and Christians. (00:05:34)

5. Martha speaks about a process of grief and acceptance that many people with MCS experience. (00:08:01)

6. Martha discusses why she feels it is important for churches to accommodate people with MCS. (00:11:25)

7. Martha explains the primary barriers at churches for people with MCS. (00:12:25)

8. Martha talks about how many people with MCS have to stop going to church. (00:16:33)

9. Martha discusses whether people with MCS should ask for change and if they can expect positive responses. (00:20:04)

10. Martha talks about how many churches have not done enough to accommodate people with MCS. (00:21:34)

11. Martha says she believes the church has a duty to accommodate people with MCS. (00:25:06)

12. Martha explains that some churches blame people for their illnesses. (00:27:20)

13. Martha talks about people who can't go to church building support systems. (00:28:52)

14. Martha explores the theme of 'salvaging a life' which she writes about in her book. (00:31:18)

15. Martha reads a prayer for people with MCS. (00:34:07)

16. Aaron concludes the episode. (00:35:33)