Health and Safety A - Z
Topic: Scents and Perfumes
Summary:
The term "scents and perfumes" refers to substances that emit a pleasant odour and that are either used on their own (i.e. perfumes or colognes) or added to product to give it a pleasant odour. Scents and perfumes are commonly used in hygiene products, (shampoo, deodorant, etc.), cosmetics, air fresheners, cleaners and so on.
Scented products may have an adverse effect on the health of some people. Symptoms might include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, weakness, insomnia, malaise, confusion, loss of appetite, and anxiety. People with allergies, asthma and other conditions report that certain odours, even in the smallest amounts, can trigger an attack.
The severity of these symptoms can vary. Many people have no symptoms, some people report mild irritation while others can be incapacitated and/or must give up many 'normal' activities in order to avoid exposure (such as going to public places).
In order to protect those individuals with fragrance sensitivities and to possibly prevent others from developing such sensitivities, the University is asking for voluntary cooperation towards a scent-reduced environment. Faculty, staff, 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 to voluntarily refrain from chemical-based scented products, and not a ban on scented products.
What can you do to help?
- Be considerate of those who are sensitive to fragrance chemicals. 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.
What can you do if you are sensitive to fragrance chemicals?
- 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.
- Inform your supervisor or instructor of your sensitivities, your symptoms, and the types of exposures that improve or worsen these symptoms. Ask them to assist in finding a solution to your situation. As an employee, you may ask your supervisor to discuss this matter with the individual involved or with the group of employees. As a student, you can ask your professor to discuss the issue with the class and ask for their cooperation in not using scented products.
- Consult with your physician about your symptoms.
- Consult the resources listed in this guideline for further information or assistance.
What can you do as a Supervisor?
If an individual in your work area or classroom is adversely affected by scented products:
- Listen to the person with respect and civility.
- Clarify the issue. Ask the individual to describe their health effects, the factors that make the problem better or worse, and the actions they are taking to deal with it.
- Investigate the issue and use good judgment and consideration to provide a fair, uniform and timely resolution.
- Discuss the issue with your staff or students in an open and non-threatening manner. Inform them of the health concerns that have arisen as a result of the use of scented products in the workplace. You may choose to have this discussion with an individual or an entire group, whichever is appropriate to the situation.
- Request everyone’s cooperation and understanding to voluntarily avoid the use of scented products in the area. Discuss the benefits of a scent-free work area.
- Implement measures to reasonably accommodate those who are affected by scented products. Where employees are severely limited due to exposure to scented products, you may need to establish a fragrance-free zone. For meetings held in enclosed rooms, you may need to send out notices to attendees informing them of the scent-free nature of the meeting.
- Consult campus accessibility resources to accommodate students during classes or exam time.
- Consult with the building engineer regarding the adequacy of ventilation in the area.
- Promote the information in this guideline and display the “scent-free” poster.
- Refer those issues which cannot be resolved locally to the Department Head or Human Resources. For students, consult with the appropriate campus accessibility service groups.
What should you do if you’re approached about the scented product you’re wearing?
- If an individual or your supervisor informs you that the fragranced products that you use or wear are a problem and requests that you avoid using them, you may feel puzzled, hurt, annoyed, defensive or even insulted by the request. Understand that it is not about you as a person or about your choice of fragrance, but it is about the chemicals in the fragranced product. Do not discount the issue as ridiculous and unreasonable.
- Discuss the issue openly. Ask questions about the health impact on the person, the types of symptoms experienced, the factors which make the person’s symptoms better or worse (e.g. fragrance type, amount used).
- Empathize with the individual. Work with cooperation and understanding towards a satisfactory resolution.
For Information See:
OSH Fact Sheets Scent Free Policy for the Workplace
Canada Safety Council: Perfume in the Workplace
Canadian Human Rights Commission: Policy on Environmental Sensitivities
Additional Resources:
Asthma Society of Canada: Scents in the Workplace
Globe and Mail: Scents and Sensibility: The Fragrant Workplace
Last Revised: August 14, 2025