Heidi Norton
Fragrances are known to cause health issues in many people, with symptoms ranging from migraines and headaches to nausea and dizziness. This condition, known as Fragrance Sensitivity or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), is estimated to affect millions of Americans and can be triggered by a wide range of scented products, including perfumes, air fresheners, and cleaning fluids. The effects of MCS can be severe and immediate, causing people to miss work and even leading to disability in some cases. While there is no definitive cure for MCS, individuals can manage their symptoms by avoiding fragranced products, choosing fragrance-free alternatives, and educating others about the condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health Problems | Asthma, Headaches, Migraines, Eye Irritation, Sneezing, Dizziness, Head Pain, Nausea, Diarrhea, Mental Cloudiness, Pounding Headache, Racing Heart, Shortness of Breath, Rapid Heart Rate, Visual Disturbances, Mental Confusion, Neurological Dysfunction, Weakness, Blacking Out |
| Affected Products | Perfumes, Deodorants, Soaps, Moisturizers, Dishwashing Liquids, Baby Wipes, Flowers, Air Fresheners, Deodorizers, Cleaning Fluids, Cleaning Products, Pesticides, Dryer Sheets |
| Solutions | Fragrance-Free Products, Fragrance-Free Workplaces, Masks, Avoiding High-Fragrance Areas |
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What You'll Learn
Fragrance sensitivity as a disability
Fragrances and fragranced products can cause health issues such as asthma, headaches, migraines, eye irritation, sneezing, dizziness, nausea, and mental cloudiness in many people. In some cases, individuals experience breathing difficulties, nerve pain, and worsening of asthma symptoms. Fragrance sensitivity can be considered a disability under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) if it interferes with major life activities such as breathing.
In the case of McBride v. City of Detroit, senior city planner Susan McBride was awarded $100,000, and the City of Detroit agreed to revise its ADA handbook and training to include a fragrance-free policy. McBride suffered from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), which caused severe pain and interfered with her breathing. While MCS is a controversial diagnosis, employers are still required to accommodate employees with this condition.
To prevent fragrance sensitivity, individuals can avoid fragranced products, opt for fragrance-free alternatives, and discuss their sensitivity with others to limit exposure. Employers can also play a role by removing offending fragrances from the workplace, implementing fragrance-free policies, and accommodating employees with fragrance allergies or chemical sensitivities.
Fragrance sensitivity can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and ability to function in certain environments. It is important to recognize this sensitivity as a potential disability and make reasonable accommodations to create a safe and inclusive space for all.
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Health issues caused by scented products
Scented products have been linked to a range of adverse health effects, with some studies reporting that 35% of Americans experience health issues from their use. These health issues can be immediate, severe, and potentially disabling.
Fragranced consumer products, such as cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products, are a primary source of indoor air pollutants and personal exposure. Many of these products release dangerous air pollutants, some of which are even carcinogenic. The effects of these pollutants are not always immediately obvious and may manifest in various ways, including respiratory issues, watery eyes, coughing, and wheezing.
Some of the health issues caused by scented products include:
- Migraines and headaches
- Asthma attacks
- Neurological problems such as dizziness, seizures, head pain, and fainting
- Respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, coughing, and shortness of breath
- Skin problems such as rashes, hives, red skin, and dermatitis
- Cognitive problems such as difficulties with thinking, concentrating, or remembering
- Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea
The impact of scented products on health is so significant that it has led to the implementation of fragrance-free policies by businesses, agencies, and institutions in the USA and other countries. These policies aim to restrict the use of fragranced products in indoor environments such as workplaces, schools, hospitals, and public places.
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Employers' responsibility to address fragrance sensitivity
Fragrances and fragranced products can cause health issues such as asthma, migraines, headaches, eye irritation, sneezing, dizziness, nausea, and mental cloudiness in many people. In fact, 30% of the population has some type of chemical sensitivity.
Employees with fragrance sensitivity often face challenges in the workplace and may even face ridicule or intentional exposure. As such, it is the employer's responsibility to address fragrance sensitivity and accommodate the needs of employees with fragrance sensitivity.
In the United States, several federal and provincial laws require employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees with fragrance sensitivities. While these laws do not specify how employers should address this issue, there are a number of steps that can be taken. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) identifies three major options for dealing with fragrance sensitivities:
- Remove the offending fragrance(s) by implementing a fragrance-free workplace policy: This includes requesting that employees refrain from using scented products such as perfume, cologne, aftershave, and deodorant, as well as using unscented cleaning products and discontinuing the use of automatic scent dispensers.
- Remove the employee from the place the fragrances are located: This can be achieved by creating scent-free areas, allowing employees to work from home, or calling into meetings where exposure is likely.
- Reduce the employee's exposure to fragrances: This may involve moving the employee to a private office with its own ventilation, allowing them to wear a mask or respirator, or implementing a flexible work schedule.
It is important to note that accommodations must be tailored to each individual and that not all fragrances are harmful. Employers should be proactive in addressing fragrance sensitivity and work with employees to craft a solution that is feasible and acceptable to all.
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Fragrance-free policies in the workplace
Fragrances and fragranced products can cause health issues such as asthma, migraines, headaches, eye irritation, sneezing, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea in many people. To address this issue, some workplaces have implemented fragrance-free policies to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all employees.
Developing and enforcing a fragrance policy is similar to implementing any other employment policy. While creating a 100% fragrance-free environment may be impractical, employers can take steps to reduce overall exposure to fragrances. This can include banning the use of plug-ins, scented candles, and aerosol sprays in the workplace while requesting that employees refrain from wearing strong scents.
A fragrance policy can be implemented as a proactive measure to improve indoor air quality and accommodate employees with fragrance sensitivities. Employers can refer to credible examples and templates available online, such as those provided by the American Lung Association (ALA) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). These policies typically include a list of prohibited fragranced items, such as cologne, aftershave lotion, perfume, and fragranced hair products.
To enforce the policy, employers can inform visitors through various means, including meeting invites, email correspondences, and signs posted throughout the property. Employees who require the use of scented products for medical reasons can request reasonable accommodations from their supervisors or the human resources (HR) department. It is important to handle these situations with sensitivity and ensure that employees are aware of the potential impact of fragrances on their colleagues' health and well-being.
By implementing fragrance-free policies, employers can create a more inclusive and healthy workplace, accommodating employees with fragrance sensitivities and improving indoor air quality for all. It is important to note that natural fragrances, such as those from plants and flowers, can also trigger asthma and other health issues, so awareness and sensitivity are crucial in creating a comfortable work environment.
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Managing fragrance sensitivity in social settings
Managing fragrance sensitivity can be challenging, especially in social settings where you may not have control over your environment. Here are some strategies to help you manage fragrance sensitivity in these situations:
Educate Yourself and Others
Understanding fragrance sensitivity is essential. Fragrance sensitivity occurs when your airways and eyes are irritated by ingredients or chemicals in natural or manufactured scents. It is not a true allergy, but it can trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks in some individuals. Educate yourself about your specific triggers, as these can vary from person to person. Common triggers include perfumes, colognes, air fresheners, cleaning products, pesticides, and even naturally fragrant plants and flowers.
Inform your friends, family, and colleagues about your sensitivity. They may be unaware that their fragrances are affecting you and may be willing to make adjustments to accommodate your needs.
Avoid Offending Fragrances
The best way to manage fragrance sensitivity is to avoid exposure to offending substances. When buying products, look for those labelled "fragrance-free" or "unscented." However, be cautious, as some products labelled "unscented" may still contain herbal ingredients or botanical oils that can trigger sensitivity.
Modify Your Environment
If you cannot avoid exposure to fragrances, consider modifying your environment to reduce their impact. For example, if you are sensitive to a colleague's perfume, you may want to request a different workstation or the option to work remotely on certain days. In social gatherings, you may want to choose outdoor settings or well-ventilated areas to minimise the concentration of fragrances in the air.
Medication and Treatment
In cases where you cannot avoid exposure or when symptoms persist, over-the-counter medications can provide relief. Pain relievers can help with headaches, and nasal decongestants can alleviate congestion. If fragrance sensitivity triggers your asthma or allergies, be sure to have your medication readily available.
Advocate for Policy Changes
In some cases, advocating for policy changes can help create fragrance-sensitive environments. For example, you can suggest implementing a no-fragrance policy in your workplace, similar to the policy adopted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which banned all scented products from its buildings.
Remember, managing fragrance sensitivity is a process of discovering your specific triggers and finding practical solutions that work for you. It is essential to be proactive, communicate your needs, and collaborate with others to create a more comfortable environment for yourself and those around you.
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Frequently asked questions
Fragrances and fragranced products can cause health issues such as asthma, migraines, eye irritation, sneezing, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. This is called "Fragrance Sensitivity" and is either an irritation or an allergic reaction to some chemical or combination of chemicals in a product.
Common triggers for fragrance sensitivity include flowers, perfumes, hand soap, air fresheners, pesticides, and cleaning products.
Here are some strategies to manage fragrance sensitivity:
- Look for products labelled "fragrance-free" when purchasing items such as soap, moisturiser, or cleaning products.
- Avoid highly fragranced plants and flowers, such as jasmine or gardenia.
- Request that colleagues, friends, and family members reduce their use of strong fragrances and deodorants.
- Suggest implementing a "no-fragrance policy" in your workplace or community spaces.
