When we talk about "scents", we usually mean the smells or odours from cosmetics (perfume, make-up, shampoo, deodorant, etc.) or from other products such as air fresheners, cleaners, etc.

Unfortunately, there is no exact definition for "scent-free", "fragrance-free" or "unscented". Products labelled as "unscented" may actually contain ingredients that are used to mask or hide the smell of other ingredients. According to Health Canada, when labelling cosmetics, the following terms are used:

Fragrance Free or Unscented - This means that there have been no fragrances added to the cosmetic product, or that a masking agent has been added in order to hide the scents from the other ingredients in the cosmetic.

While it is important to be aware of the lack of consistency when these terms are used by various manufacturers, the terms can still be a rough guideline when choosing products.

When scented products have been blamed for adversely affecting a person's health, some or all of the following symptoms are reported:

• 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

Allergic and asthmatic patients, as well as those with other conditions, report that certain odours, even in the smallest amounts, can trigger an attack.

The severity of these symptoms can vary. Some people report mild irritation while others are incapacitated and/or must give up many 'normal' activities in order to avoid exposure (such as going to public places).

Scents are included in a very large range of products including:

• shampoo and conditioners
• hairsprays
• deodorants
• colognes & aftershaves
• fragrances & perfumes
• lotions & creams
• potpourri
• industrial and household chemicals
• soaps
• cosmetics
• air fresheners & deodorizers
• oils
• candles
• diapers
• some types of garbage bags

It is important to remember some products which claim to be 'scent free' may have only masked the scent by use of an additional chemical. Be sure to research the product carefully if using scented products around those who are sensitive.

While it depends on the formula, there can be chemicals in fragrances and related products that have been determined to cause cancer in occupational settings or in laboratory animals.

The OSH Answers document "What makes chemicals poisonous?" has more information about the effects of chemicals on the body.

In some cases, yes, but these labeling requirements may not give you all the information you may need.

For example: Products like cleaners and air fresheners sold to the general public (in grocery or hardware stores) require "consumer labeling" only. These labels focus on immediate hazards such as corrosion (burns to skin/eyes), explosion, fire and poison. Only certain ingredients will be listed on the package or product. To find out all of the ingredients in the product, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer directly.

Legislation from Health Canada requires labels on the outside packaging of cosmetics. These labels contain a list of all ingredients as used in the "International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients" system. This requirement provides consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about the cosmetic products they buy.

Yes. Accommodation is required under the federal and provincial human rights Acts. For example, according to the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC):

"This medical condition is a disability and those living with environmental sensitivities are entitled to the protection of the Canadian Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The Canadian Human Rights Commission will receive any inquiry and process any complaint from any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against because of an environmental sensitivity. Like others with a disability, those with environmental sensitivities are required by law to be accommodated.

The CHRC encourages employers and service providers to proactively address issues of accommodation by ensuring that their workplaces and facilities are accessible for persons with a wide range of disabilities."

From: Canadian Human Rights Commission web site at:
http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/legislation_policies/policy_environ_politique-en.asp

Employers should be aware that there are differences between individuals, and build these concepts into their workplace standards or policies as proactively as possible.

As with most workplace policies, be sure to consider the following:

• Conduct an assessment or survey of the employees to determine the extent of the issue. Collect opinions and suggestions at the same time to help you develop a policy appropriate to your workplace. (A sample survey is located at the end of this document.)
• Designate one key person to oversee the project and its development. If you work at a large company, it may better to create a committee with members representing all groups (employees, unions, management).
• Involve the health and safety committee, and get management commitment from the beginning.
• Set and stick to deadlines for creating a draft policy, a review of the policy, and for implementation.
• Be sure that all employees have been fully informed of the policy and that they know what they have to do before the policy becomes effective.
• Educate the employees. You may choose to include brochures or flyers in payroll envelopes, publish articles in company newsletter, or give presentations. In any case, the goal is to inform all employees of the health concerns related to scents and why the policy is needed.
• Address any concerns the employees raise openly and honestly. Reinforce the idea that this policy is being implemented as a result of medical concerns - not merely because of a dislike for a certain smell.
• Make it clear that the policy applies to everyone (including visitors, patients, etc).
• Search local legislation for any supporting documentation.
• Do not limit the scent free policy to perfumes and colognes. As listed above, many cleaning and personal care products also have scents.
• Post a list of "approved" unscented products and where they are available locally.
• Review all MSDSs for the products currently used and for those you are considering using. Make sure that the ingredients are acceptable. Remember that some products which claim to be scent-free may be using additional chemicals to mask smells instead of truly being "unscented".
• Conduct trials in limited areas before purchasing large quantities of a product.
• Post notices that waxing, shampooing, painting, or spraying (etc) will be conducted one week beforehand so that affected personnel can make arrangements or have their duties modified during that time.
• Put the policy statement notice on all appointment cards, stationery, room booking notices, employment postings, etc
• Decide on wording for 'Scent Free' signs and where the signs will be posted.
• Let everyone know that the policy will be reviewed and can be changed because of experience or new knowledge.

Policies should be based on the health concerns of employees. The policy must also apply uniformly throughout the company.

Signs should be posted near the entrances to company building(s). In addition, statements on business cards, letter head or promotional materials may be helpful if you receive a lot of visitors.

Examples include:

Some people who work at ABC Company report sensitivities to various chemical-based or scented products. We ask for everyone's cooperation in our efforts to accommodate their health concerns.

In response to health concerns, ABC Company has developed a Scent-Free Policy. Scented products such as hair spray, perfume, and deodorant can trigger reactions such as respiratory distress and headaches. Staff and visitors are asked to not use these products when reporting to this office.

ABC Company is a Scent-free environment. Please do not use scented products while at work.

Sample questions include:

Have you ever been affected by scented products?

• If so, in what way

Do you feel our company should offer programs encouraging employees to reduce the use of scents? (Yes, No)

How should our company become scent-free?

• Change from heavily scented products to non-scented or low-scented products?
• Offer awareness sessions to employees about the health concerns related to scented products?
• Offer other incentives? If so, describe.

Do you use any scented products such as shampoo, soap, hand lotions, perfumes, cologne, hair spray, or deodorant before arriving at work? (Yes, No, Not Sure)

Would you accept a Scent-Free policy for ABC Company? (Yes, No)

• If you are not willing to accept a Scent-Free policy, please describe why:

Do you have any additional comments?

Try to identify the exact source of the problem, if possible. Reduce all emissions from building materials, cleaning products, etc.

Maintain good indoor air quality. Ensure that air is being replaced with fresh air, and that scents are not simply being recycled throughout the building.

If the source is an employee, ask the person to not wear or use scented products.