Restroom Deodorizers a Headache for Some

Along “restaurant row” on Hawthorne Boulevard in Torrance, an insidious agent has crept in undetected by health authorities. Deodorizers have been installed in restrooms! Deodorizers that are so strong that the air hits you in the face like a wall when you enter the restroom.

For those of us who are hypersensitive, this perfume gives us an instant sore throat or headache. When I complained about my allergy to these deodorizers, several managers said to me: “Well, nobody else has complained!” (I can still remember the days when business owners followed the golden rule, “The customer is always right!”)

I urge readers to complain to restaurant managers and owners about these obnoxious deodorizers, and to call and write to city, county, state, and federal health officials. Contact me. I have lists of names, addresses and telephone numbers.

Deodorizers also discriminate against a class of individuals. Chemical sensitivity is a handicap, just as being physically disabled is a handicap. A deodorizer prevents my access to the toilet, just as absence of a ramp prevents wheelchair access to a restaurant.

I urge all restaurant owners and managers to remove these deodorizers. You will not have to pay weekly service charges to the deodorizer company, and your customers will be happier.

MARJORIE CRANDALL

Torrance