Anisha Riggs
Many people are sensitive to fragrances and scents, and for some, avoiding them is critical to maintaining their health and well-being. Fragrance sensitivity can be triggered by perfumes, colognes, deodorants, shampoos, laundry detergents, and lotions. Some people may find it uncomfortable or even impolite to ask for fragrance-free accommodations, but it is important to recognize that it is not entitled or unreasonable to request disability accommodations. Whether you are requesting fragrance-free accommodations at work, at a hotel, or for an event, there are steps you can take to ensure your needs are met without causing discomfort for others.
How to politely ask for fragrance-free accommodations
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recognize the issue | Fragrances and scented products can trigger serious health issues for those with fragrance allergies and sensitivities. |
| Be specific | Clearly state the products that should be avoided, such as perfumes, colognes, aftershave, scented lotions, hair products, cosmetics, detergents, cleaning products, and air fresheners. |
| Provide alternatives | Suggest fragrance-free alternatives or request that fragrance-wearing guests participate remotely or at a later time. |
| Contact businesses directly | Call or email specific hotels, venues, or businesses to inquire about fragrance-free options and request accommodations. |
| Emphasize accessibility | Present your request as an accessibility concern and approach it as an educational opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of fragrance-free spaces. |
| Be courteous and friendly | Maintain a polite and respectful tone in your communication to increase the likelihood of a positive response. |
| Provide medical documentation | If necessary, be prepared to provide medical documentation to support your request, especially in the case of disability-related accommodations. |
| Offer solutions | Suggest solutions or compromises, such as designating fragrance-free areas or requesting fragrance-free cleaning procedures. |
| Be mindful of practicality | Understand that a 100% fragrance-free environment may not always be feasible, and consider alternative solutions to reduce exposure to fragrances. |
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What You'll Learn
Explain fragrance sensitivity as a disability
Fragrance sensitivity is a disability that can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, skin allergies like contact dermatitis, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and breathing difficulties such as wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, or worsening of asthma symptoms. In severe cases, individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) may experience excruciating nerve pain in their arms and legs.
The potential for exposure to fragrances is high as they are added to many everyday products, and people spend more time in indoor environments. Fragrances are commonly found in personal care products, laundry products, cleaning products, scented candles, and air fresheners. These products often contain harmful chemicals that can trigger serious health issues for those with fragrance allergies.
To prevent fragrance sensitivity, it is important to remove, block, or avoid the offending substance. This can be challenging because manufacturers are not required to list all the ingredients in their products, and even some products labelled as "unscented" or "fragrance-free" may contain herbal ingredients or botanical oils that can still cause reactions. However, resources like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Design for the Environment (DfE) program can help identify safer products.
In the workplace, employers should be aware that fragrance sensitivity is a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and take steps to accommodate employees with this condition. While a 100% fragrance-free environment may not be feasible, employers can implement policies to reduce exposure to fragrances and provide accommodations such as allowing employees to work from home or in private offices. Similar accommodations can be made in schools to protect children with fragrance sensitivity from having asthma attacks triggered by scented products.
When travelling, it can be challenging to find fragrance-free accommodations. However, some hotel chains are accustomed to fragrance-free requests and may offer options such as fragrance-free rooms or extra washes of sheets to remove fragrances. It is important to ask about these options before booking and to be courteous and friendly when making such requests.
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Discuss the impact of fragrances on health
Fragrances are a common feature of many personal care and household products, from perfumes and colognes to cleaning products and air fresheners. While these scents can make products more appealing, they can also have negative impacts on human health.
Fragrances contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that can be harmful. When we inhale these fragrances, we are also inhaling these chemicals, which can cause both short-term and long-term health effects. For example, exposure to fragrances can lead to sinus congestion, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, and shortness of breath, and even more serious issues like asthma attacks and breathing difficulties. These compounds can cause an inflammatory reaction, even in people without underlying chronic lung diseases.
Vulnerable populations, such as those with allergies or sensitivities, are especially at risk. However, anyone can be affected by the repetitive exposure to fragrances in indoor environments. The impact of fragrance chemicals on human health can be cutaneous, respiratory, and systemic, resulting in headaches, cardiovascular and neurological problems, and even distress in workplaces.
The use of fragrances indoors can also negatively impact indoor air quality. Natural and synthetic fragrances can emit secondary pollutants, such as formaldehyde, contributing to decreasing air quality and increasing personal exposure to potential health risks. Compressed aerosols, such as perfumes and colognes, are a significant source of VOC emissions, impacting both the atmosphere and human health.
With growing public awareness of the health effects of fragrance chemicals, similar to the understanding of second-hand smoke, there is a rising trend of implementing fragrance-free policies in workplaces and public spaces. This includes banning scented products, such as perfumes and colognes, and fragranced items like candles and air fresheners, to create healthier environments for everyone.
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Outline steps to make events fragrance-free
If you are hosting an event, there are several steps you can take to make it fragrance-free. Firstly, it is important to communicate with all attendees before the event, explaining the reasons behind the fragrance-free policy and requesting their cooperation. You can include this information on publicity material and invitations, being as clear as possible about the policy and its importance.
Next, you should contact the venue and request that the event space is cleaned with fragrance-free products or with no chemicals, allowing time for the space to air out. If the hand soap in the bathrooms is fragranced, you could provide hand-pump containers of fragrance-free soap. You could also ask the venue about using air purifiers instead of air fresheners.
On the day of the event, you can politely request that attendees who are wearing fragrances leave and return after removing them. However, this approach may result in uncomfortable reactions, so it is important to consider whether this is suitable for your event. Alternatively, you could designate a fragrance-free area and ask attendees to avoid this area if they are wearing fragrances.
Finally, it is a good idea to provide fragrance-free options for attendees, such as fragrance-free hand soap or other personal care products.
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Provide examples of fragrance-free products
When asking for fragrance-free accommodations, it is important to understand the distinction between "fragrance-free" and "unscented" products. While fragrance-free products should not contain any fragrance chemicals, some cosmetic companies use the term loosely, and their products may still contain fragrance compounds. In contrast, unscented products may not be safe, as they can still contain harmful chemicals. Therefore, when requesting fragrance-free accommodations, it is important to specify that products should be completely free of fragrance chemicals, rather than simply unscented.
- Cleaning products: Fragrance-free accommodations should use only chemical- and fragrance-free cleaning products. This includes products like dishwashing liquid, which can be highly fragrant.
- Laundry products: When requesting fragrance-free accommodations, ask for linens and towels to be washed with unscented detergent and fragrance-free options.
- Personal care products: This includes products like fragrance-free shampoo, hair spray, skin moisturizers, and cosmetics. For example, Mustela offers a range of fragrance-free baby products, including diaper rash cream, baby wipes, shampoo, and cleansing gel.
- Air fresheners: Avoid using scented air fresheners, as these can be very strong and lingering. Instead, opt for natural ventilation and air purifiers to create a fragrance-free environment.
- Scented candles: Scented candles can be replaced with fragrance-free or natural beeswax candles, which provide a pleasant aroma without the addition of harmful chemicals.
- Soaps and detergents: Request that fragrance-free soaps and detergents be provided, as these can be a common source of fragrance exposure.
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Share tips on asking for fragrance-free accommodations
Asking for fragrance-free accommodations can be tricky, but there are ways to do it politely and effectively. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:
Educate Yourself and Others
Firstly, understand that fragrance sensitivity is a real issue. Fragrances and scents can impact people's health and well-being, and for some, it is critical to avoid them. Educate yourself and those around you about the potential health effects of fragrances. By raising awareness, you can foster understanding and empathy, making your request more likely to be respected.
Be Direct and Clear
When asking for fragrance-free accommodations, be direct and clear about your needs. Explain that you have a sensitivity or allergy to fragrances and that their avoidance is important for your health. Being transparent helps others understand the seriousness of the issue and makes it easier for them to accommodate your request.
Provide Specific Examples
Instead of a general request for a fragrance-free environment, provide specific examples of products that may cause issues. For instance, you could mention perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, scented lotions, deodorants, or laundry detergents. By being specific, you give others a better understanding of what to avoid and how to create a fragrance-free space.
Request Fragrance-Free Zones
If a completely fragrance-free environment is not feasible, consider requesting fragrance-free zones or meetings. This could mean designating certain areas where fragrances are not permitted, such as a specific room or workspace. Alternatively, you can suggest fragrance-free meetings, ensuring that attendees refrain from wearing scented products during those times.
Contact Accommodations in Advance
When travelling or attending events, contact accommodations in advance to inquire about their ability to accommodate your needs. Ask about their cleaning practices, the use of scented products, and whether they can provide fragrance-free rooms or spaces. This proactive approach increases the likelihood of finding accommodations that meet your requirements.
Offer Alternative Solutions
If a fragrance-free environment is challenging to achieve, be open to discussing alternative solutions. For example, you could suggest seating arrangements that provide more distance between you and potential sources of fragrances. Alternatively, propose the use of fragrance-free products, such as unscented cleaning supplies or personal care items.
Remember, it is essential to approach these conversations with politeness and respect. By being considerate and providing clear information, you can effectively advocate for your needs and increase awareness about the importance of fragrance-free accommodations.
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Frequently asked questions
When booking a hotel, ask for a fragrance-free room. Most major hotel chains are accustomed to these requests. You can also request that your room be cleaned with fragrance-free options or with no chemicals, and that linens and towels not be cleaned with scented detergent during your stay.
In the workplace, it is reasonable to ask that soaps, lotions, and cleaning products provided are fragrance-free, and that employees do not bring in fragranced products like air fresheners, candles, or plug-ins. If you are sensitive to scents, you can also ask your colleagues to refrain from wearing strong perfumes or colognes.
If you are meeting up with a friend, you can ask them to refrain from wearing perfume or aftershave. You can also keep your distance from them if they use a lot of fragrance in their personal care products.
Health care agencies run by state and local governments are covered under Title II of the ADA, and private or nonprofit organizations are covered under Title III. You can send an email to the hospital requesting modifications and detailing your disability, and provide medical documentation.
