Plaintiff Barbara Schaefer allegedly experienced the issue when she stayed in a Marriott hotel in the Los Angeles area.
She claims that, during her stay, she was exposed to chemicals “including carcinogenic and/or other hazardous air pollutants, and particulate matter.”
Schaefer is reportedly sensitive to fragrance and can be left with a limited ability to breathe if she is exposed to these chemicals.
The Marriott class action lawsuit claims Barbara was unaware that she would be exposed to fragrance during her stay and experienced unexpected health issues as a result.
Fragranced products can reportedly cause increased symptoms in people with asthma and other health products. The Marriott fragrance class action notes that 53.1 percent of Americans are in support of fragrance-free workplaces and 60.7 percent of Americans would choose to stay in a hotel that doesn’t used fragranced air.
Despite these preferences, Marriott allegedly choses to release fragrances upon individuals as soon as they enter the hotel and throughout their stay.
“Indeed, by the time these unsuspecting guests/patrons are aware of the pervasive scents/toxins, it’s simply too late,” the Marriott class action lawsuit claims.
People who are susceptible to fragrance-related health problems are reportedly plagued with “fear, apprehension, and emotional distress” upon realizing that their hotel uses heavy fragrance, not to mention the physiological issues caused by fragrance exposure.
“Even for those persons lucky enough to not share this level of susceptibility, the exposure remains, at best, an annoyance, an unwanted touching (battery) and/or a disruption to their culinary and other hoped-for experiences at the Marriott,” the fragrance class action notes.
Schaefer also references fragrance surveys which reportedly show that many of the compounds found in fragrance have serious health consequences.
These damaging, and in some cases carcinogenic, compounds allegedly include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, phthalates, and more. The Marriott class action also claims that these compounds can react in the ambient air to product secondary harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
“Synthetic fragrance compounds, in particular, are extremely pervasive, lodging themselves not only in the bloodstream but also in breast milk and fat-storing tissue,” the Marriott class action claims. “When fragrances hit the air, they break down, mix with other pollutants and form new compounds – ones often more irritating and allergenic than the original fragrance.”
Schaefer argues that Marriott put her and other guests at risk of developing serious health issues through their use of toxic fragrances. She seeks to represent a Class of people who visited the Courtyard Los Angeles Westside hotel since Nov. 27, 2019.
The Marriott fragrance class action was initially filed in California state court but was later removed by Marriott to the Central District of California based on jurisdiction, proposed Class size, and amount in controversy.
Did you stay at a Marriott hotel which used significant fragrance? Share your experiences in the comment section below.
Schaefer and the proposed Class are represented by Scott Cole and Laura Grace Van Note of Scott Cole & Associates APC.
The Marriott Fragrance Class Action Lawsuit is Schaefer v. Marriot International Inc., et al., Case No. 2:20-cv-00088, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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216 thoughts onMarriott Class Action Says Guests Exposed To Toxic Fragrances
I recently experienced several instances of fragrance sensitivity at several Marriott hotels during ballroom dances competitions that were held there. The first at The Henry in Dearborn Michigan in June. The first day was terrible —I had asthma and had to use two different inhalers which barely worked. Since I live locally I was able to go home and get a prescription anti-histamine to take as well I was staying at the hotel for convenience so I can report that the fragrance did not appear to be pumped into the room it was definitely coming out of the blower in the hallway right outside my room. The hotel staff spouted their standard line about this being their signature fragrance and that they had no control over it. In August I attended another competition in Columbus at Renaissance Hotel. I did not realize that this was a Marriott hotel. The alternate hotel where I stayed the first night was the Four Winds Sheraton and I did not realize that was also a Marriott The fragrance there which the desk clerk referred to as air fresher was overwhelming and was definitely being pumped into the room I was able to make it stop by turning off the air conditioner completely but this took some time and I got very little sleep while I didn’t get asthma I felt that I had pepper in my nose and it was hard to relax with the irritating smell The second night I stayed at the Renaissance where the fragrance was not in the room but was everywhere else. Several people had runny noses , allergies or irritated throats. I will not be able to attend events at these hotels again. Dancing or any other physical activity is not advisable in toxic air. These substances should be banned in hotels they are more toxic than tobacco smoke.
I am a long time member of Marriott time shares. It has given us many wonderful memories. But I no longer can enjoy vacations with Marriott. The implementation of signature scents has made it impossible to stay at any given property owned by Marriott. I not only feel nauseous throughout the stay, I also get headaches and other symptoms in my gut, and even when I leave my clothes and belongings get pickled in the fragrance and none of it will wash out. It sticks! I have developed environmental disease/MCS over the years and can no longer travel due to all of the signature scents that many hotels use now. Just read in the above article that the majority of people would prefer that scents not be used. I am one of them. It costs me my health and the price of my clothing, belongings and suitcases that get ruined. It costs me much time and effort to get those scents out of all of my belongings when I get home. I have given up trying to travel and miss it. Now we are trying the RV life instead. Forcing people to get pickled in signature scents makes no sense. We have to share the air. Most places got rid of cigarette smoke only to introduce more toxic air with signature scents.
Longtime Marriott member, no longer can stay in any Marriott affiliated hotels. Their chosen sanitizers Eco Lab)made me sick for days and set off asthma attacks. Lobby horrible polluted air immediately nauseous. Elevator was worse. Irony is they had a purifier in the room, but by the time I got there I was already ill. Ruined my night and next morning and ended up at hospital ER. Their fragrance and sanitizers are Toxic to many of us. Have not stepped foot in a Marriott after being a loyal customer. Not worth risking my health.
I stayed at Marriott in Lexington, Ky a year ago. I was in town for work and immediately noticed overwhelming fragrance. I spoke with the Housekeeping manager who ended up being helpful. The linens were washed in unscented detergent and fabric softener which allowed me to sleep on them. I asked that no air freshener be used and so they stopped the day I arrived. The scent was still in the air, but I had two air purifiers which got rid of much–but not all–of the smell. The lobbies and even the elevator and elevator lobby in garage were pumped with fragrance. The man was even willing to “turn down” the fragrance in the elevator area for a couple of days at the end. But I was told that corporate insists on using fragrance. Studies show that 1/3 of Americans are sensitive to fragrance–chemical AND so-called “natural” (essential oils. Travel is next to impossible at this point.
I stayed at Marriott in Lexington, Ky a year ago. I was in town for work and immediately noticed overwhelming fragrance. I spoke with the Housekeeping manager who ended up being helpful. The linens were washed in unscented detergent and fabric softener which allowed me to sleep on them. I asked that no air freshener be used and so they stopped the day I arrived. The scent was still in the air, but I had two air purifiers which got rid of much–but not all–of the smell. The lobbies and even the elevator and elevator lobby in garage were pumped with fragrance. The man was even willing to “turn down” the fragrance in the elevator area for a couple of days at the end. But I was told that corporate insists on using fragrance. Studies show that 1/3 of Americans are sensitive to fragrance–chemical AND so-called “natural” (essential oils. Travel is next to impossible at this point.
I have just returned from a 5 day stay @ Marriott Autograph Cadillac Hotel in Miami Beach. my experience was the same as stated by the others above. I am particularly sensitive to these chemicals which I concur are toxic. headaches, rashes and other problems occurred during my stay. after repeatedly going to management, I also was told there is. nothing they can do as it is “corporate procedure”. and they are unable to turn it off. 2 staff members stated privately that they are looking; for other jobs in hospitality due. to headaches and breathing problems.. I became so nauseous I threw up. hoping someone will contact me as I would like to take an active role in helping to curb this dangerous and disabling practice.
I am staying at a Marriott in Aventura Mall Florida and the lobby scent is overwhelming and is making me sick.
I am currently staying at JW Marriott in Cancun, Mexico. They use SentAir SDC 4004-E1401 cartridges in large electric diffusers in lobby, fitness center, and spa area. It gives me dry cough and terrible headache. Most people don’t react but I am sensitive to chemicals and cannot use any of the hotel facilities that pollute the air with these chemicals. After confronting the manager, they refused to remove the toxic fumes claiming that it is Marriott protocol. They don’t know the ingredients but use them on people. This should be all illegal.
I recently stayed at a Marriott residence inn in Baltimore near the Johns Hopkins campus while a family member was having surgery. I have never had any issues staying a hotels in the past but haven’t really stayed
at a Marriott before. As son as I walked into the lobby I noticed a strong smell that made me start having typical allergy symptoms. My room also had a strong scent of fragrance which seemed to be used to mask the smell of weed that was coming from the hallway and room next to us. I asked the front desk if they could not spray anymore chemicals in my room but have been miserable for the last 3 days here.