Can scents affect my health?
Scented products are everywhere. It is possible that health effects can be caused by perfumes and other scented products. When scented products have been blamed for causing health problems, the symptoms include those such as:
- headaches
- dizziness, lightheadedness
- nausea
- fatigue
- weakness
- insomnia
- malaise
- confusion
- loss of appetite
- depression
- anxiety
- numbness
- upper respiratory symptoms
- shortness of breath
- difficulty with concentration
- skin irritation.
The severity of these symptoms can vary. Some people report mild irritation while others are "harmed" and / or must give up many 'normal' activities in order to avoid exposure (such as going to public places).
What products contain scents?
Typically, individuals who believe scented products make them unwell react to many substances found in daily lives and in the workplace such as:
- colognes and aftershaves
- fragrances and perfumes
- lotions and creams
- shampoo and conditioners
- hairsprays
- deodorants
- potpourri
- industrial and household chemicals
- soaps
- cosmetics
- air fresheners and deodorizers
- oils
- candles
- diapers
- some types of garbage bags
- building material
- upholstery fabrics
- carpeting
- combustion exhausts (from cars, trucks, etc.)
- dry-cleaning residue
- newsprint and inked papers
- cigarette smoke.
Remember that in some cases, products labeled "unscented" have actually had other chemicals added to hide the original scent.
What are some modifications that a workplace can make?
Basic modifications can be made within the workplace to help those who suffer from the effects of scented products.
Most of the time when somebody responds to a chemical, they are responding to an odour. Therefore, odour perception is almost always going to be the first cue that there is a chemical in the environment.
- Discuss the benefits of having a scent-free workplace with the employees.
- Give a presentation about the effects of scented products.
- Develop a workplace policy on the use of scent-free products.
- Emphasize that a scent-free environment is a health and safety issue for the workplace.
- Display signs that welcome visitors to your scent-free workplace.
- Try to identify the exact source of the scent. For example: if the cause of the offending scent is a cleaning product, investigate if you can switch to a different cleaner that will not be offensive but that will still clean appropriately.
What are some guidelines a workplace can follow?
If the source of the problem is an employee's use of scents, a general guideline may be to ask that person to modify the use of their scent by using a lighter scent or less of it. A scent should not be noticeable at more than an arm's length from the individual.
Maintain good indoor air quality. Have good ventilation and make sure that air is being replaced with fresh air. Reduce all emissions from building materials, cleaning products, etc., to decrease the amount of poor air being recycled throughout the building.
Talk to your supervisor and share your concerns about any scented products that are affecting your health in that area of the workplace.
For more information
Scent-free policy for the workplace
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
Reference
Scent reduction policies and the workplace - important considerations
Source: Scented Products Education and Information Association of Canada
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