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I moved to Portland partly because of its friendliness to my gluten-free lifestyle. Unfortunately, my new apartment is near a bakery, and now that it's windows-open season, the wheat vapors are inescapable. Can I invoke my health concerns to break my lease? —Sensitive Plant
Given the socio-dietary climate in the Rose City, Sensitive, I suppose I should be thankful you're not asking me for advice on how to have the bakery shut down and branded a Superfund site.
There is no scientific evidence that the smell of bread alone can trigger a gluten allergy. That said, you're hardly the first to voice concerns about so-called "second-hand gluten."
While it won't solve your problem, a bill making its way through the Oregon House of Representatives could keep the gluten haters of the future from winding up in situations like yours.
Under House Bill 4115, the Allergen-Free/Toxin-Free Neighborhoods Act, bakeries like the one that's giving you grief would lose their zoning designation and be given five years to relocate. (Those willing to install HEPA-compliant ventilation systems, however, could stay put.)
The bill would ban food carts trafficking in high-gluten offerings like croissants or hot pretzels from operating within 1,000 feet of a school.
There's many a slip twixt the organic kombucha bottle and the lip, however. Bill co-sponsor Rep. George L. Baker (D-Southeast Portland) admits HB 4115 has an uphill climb, particularly with skeptical downstate Republicans.
"We're raising awareness," Baker says. "This is a gesture to say, 'Take heed, people; take heed!'"
As for your lease, you and your landlord should be able to work out an agreement. Your flat shouldn't stay vacant long—some people still like bakeries.
Oh, and by the way, happy April Fools' Day!
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WWeek 2015