Share the Air, Be Scent Aware

Submitted by Trish McPherson, Occupational Health and Safety Officer 
 
Have you Considered? 

Exposure to perfumes, colognes, and other scented products such as aftershave, deodorant, soap, shampoo, hairspray, body spray, air fresheners, fabric softeners, laundry detergents, etc. can trigger reactions in individuals with asthma, allergies, migraines, or chemical sensitivities.  
  
Susceptible individuals can experience a variety of symptoms, including headache, sore throat, runny nose, sinus congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, anxiety, anger, nausea, fatigue, mental confusion, and an inability to concentrate. The impact on all those affected can be quite severe, resulting in great difficulty in work and study activities.  
  
What can you do to help? 

- Be considerate of those who are sensitive to fragrance. Avoid using scented products; instead, use scent-free alternatives 
- If you do use scented products, use them sparingly. A general guideline for scented products is that the scent should not be detectable more than an arm’s length away from you. Do not apply scented products in a public area 
- Avoid using products (e.g. air fresheners or potpourris) that give off chemical-based scents in your work area 
- Avoid using laundry products or cleaning agents that are scented. Air out drycleaned clothing before wearing 
  
Increase your Awareness 

To protect individuals with fragrance sensitivities and to possibly prevent others from developing such sensitivities, employees, students, and visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid or reduce the use of fragranced products, and to replace them with unscented alternatives. This is a request for voluntary cooperation towards a scent-reduced environment, and not a ban on scented products. 
  
Other Strategies for Messaging 

- Adding verbiage to your email exchanges/signature line and other correspondences 
- Adding verbiage to automatic replies (if applicable) 
- Adding information to specific department webpages 
- Adding information to Blackboard sites 

If you feel you can do so comfortably, approach the scented individual, and let him/her know how you react to fragrances. Be specific about the types of physical reactions you have (e.g. asthma attacks, migraines, shortness of breath). Talk to the individual in a cordial and respectful manner. Ask for their understanding and cooperation. Many people are unaware of the potential health effects of fragrance chemicals.