Scents in the Workplace
UBC Okanagan has implemented a voluntary scent free program on campus.
Scented personal products contain chemicals which can cause health problems for many people, especially those with asthma, allergies or environmental illnesses. UBCO’s Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees ask for your support in limiting the use of scented personal care products.
What products contain scents?
Scents in the workplace refer to smells or odours that come from cosmetics, soaps or cleaning products.
Most manufacturers of personal care products offer scent free alternatives. By choosing scent free personal care products we can lessen the impact the scent has on the health of others.
Some common scented products are:
- Air fresheners
- Candles
- Colognes and aftershave
- Cleaning products
- Deodorants
- Detergent
- Fabric softener
- Hair spray
- Lotions
- Make-up
- Perfumes and fragrances
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soaps
- Sunscreen
Symptoms related to scent
Exposure to scented products can adversely affect health. People with asthma, allergies, and respiratory conditions report that exposure to scented products, even in small amounts, can trigger a response.
Some symptoms can be:
- Congestion
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Numbness
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
Dealing with scent situations
For employees/students:
- Approach the person discreetly
- Clearly and courteously explain the benefits of adopting scent-free practices
- Remember most people are unaware of the negative impact scented products have on some people
- Direct them to the website for more information. Education is the key when discussing the situation
- If you feel uncomfortable approaching the individual directly, speak with your supervisor/instructor
- If you are unable to resolve your concerns by speaking with the individual and your supervisor or instructor you may contact the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee for your area.
For supervisors:
- Learn more about the Scent Free Program at UBC Okanagan
- Approach the individual discreetly and inform the individual about the Scent Free Program
- Explain to the individual that scented products can cause health issues for some people
- Keep the individual with the sensitivity apprised of what has been done on their behalf
- Continue to monitor the situation until it has been resolved
- If you are unable to resolve the situation you may contact theĀ Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee for your area
For teaching staff:
- Attempt to maintain a scent free environment in your classrooms and labs by informing your students of the Scent Free Program
- If a student approaches you with a scent concern discreetly approach the individual(s) wearing the scent and inform the individual(s) of the scent sensitivities some of their classmates have encountered
- Direct them to the website for more information
- Encourage students to wear scent-free alternatives.
ForĀ individuals who have been approached about their scented personal products:
- Do not take offence
- Learn more about the Scent Free Program at UBC Okanagan
- Consider switching to a scent-free alternative