Scent-Free Policy for the Workplace

When we talk about scents, we usually mean the smells or odours from ingredients and chemicals in 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. However, certain product composition statements are required, including:

Odour or fragrance

If a product formulation has been amended to add or change a fragrance, terms such as "fresh scent," "floral scent" or "lemon scent" that describe the resulting odour may be added by notification. The terms "fragrance-free" or "unscented" may be added by notification if the product is odourless or nearly odourless, and contains no odour-masking ingredients such as a perfume. The term "de-scented" may be added if the product contains an odour-masking ingredient.

(Source: Regulatory Directive DIR2013-02, Notification/Non-notification. Health Canada)

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 exposure to the ingredients or chemicals in scented products has been blamed for adversely affecting a person's health, some or all of the following symptoms are typically reported:

• headaches
• dizziness, light-headedness
• nausea
• fatigue
• weakness
• insomnia
• numbness
• upper respiratory symptoms
• shortness of breath
• skin irritation
• malaise
• confusion
• difficulty with concentration

The severity of these symptoms can vary. Some people report mild irritation, while others are incapacitated or must give up many 'normal' activities in order to avoid exposure (such as going to public places). As a consequence, some people report feelings of depression or anxiety.

These reactions can be known as a condition called environmental sensitivities. According to the Women's College Hospital:

"Environmental sensitivities (ES) describes a chronic condition whereby a person has symptoms when exposed to certain chemicals or other environmental agents at low levels tolerated by most people. The symptoms may range in severity from mild to debilitating.

ES has also been called multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical intolerance, environmental hypersensitivity, environmental illness, toxicant-induced loss of tolerance, and idiopathic environmental intolerance."

Exposure to the ingredients and chemicals in scented products, even in the smallest amounts, can also trigger other conditions, including allergic and asthmatic patients and those with other conditions (for example, mastocytosis, etc.).  In these situations, the health effects can be severe.

Any product or chemical may be associated with environmental sensitivities. As stated by the Public Service Commission of Canada, "Individuals with environmental sensitivities may have adverse reactions to foods, chemicals or environmental agents, singly or in combination. ... Environmental sensitivities include adverse reactions to specific allergens, such as cleaning agents, dust, perfumes or building construction materials."

This document focuses on sensitivities from scented products. Other documents that may be helpful include:

• Indoor Air Quality - General
• Indoor Air Quality - Moulds and Fungi

When dealing with a sensitivity issue in the workplace, be sure to address any and all possible causes.

Ingredients or chemicals used to produce scents are present in a very large range of products, including (note that these lists are not inclusive, and other products may trigger a response):

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

It is important to remember that 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. Collaborate together to determine what products result in no or lower sensitivity reactions. 

Other triggers have been reported when an individual is exposed to:

• volatile organic compounds (e.g., gasoline, glues, paints, solvents, cleaning products, etc.)
• vehicle exhaust fumes
• pesticides
• pollen, moulds

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 labelling 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 labelling only. These labels focus on immediate hazards such as corrosion (burns to skin or 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. Environmental sensitivity is a medical condition.  As such, it is recognized as a disability.  Accommodation is required under the federal and provincial Human Rights Acts.  Please contact your local human rights commission for more information.

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

In addition, as indicated by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, if a worker with environmental sensitivities experiences an unexpected trigger while at the workplace, this person should not suffer negative impacts because of their disability or their need for accommodation.

A scent-free policy is similar to other workplace policies. It applies to all workers and is intended to guide their conduct.

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

• Conduct an assessment or survey of workers 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 or create a committee with members representing all groups (workers, unions, management).
• Involve the health and safety committee or worker representative(s) 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.
• Educate workers. You may choose to distribute informational e-mails or brochures, publish articles in company newsletters, or give presentations. In any case, the goal is to inform all workers of the health concerns related to scents and why the policy is needed.
• Be sure that all workers have been fully informed of the policy and that they know what they have to do before the policy becomes effective.
• Address any concerns the workersraise 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.).
• Make it clear that cooperation on the part of everyone is vital to the success of the policy. State clearly what a person may be asked to do if they are wearing scents (e.g., wash or remove with unscented wipes, change clothes, remain in a separate room, etc.)
• Search local legislation for any supporting documentation.
• Do not limit the scent-free policy to perfumes and colognes. As listed above, many building materials, cleaning supplies, and personal care products also have scents or chemicals.
• Post a list of approved unscented products and where they are available locally.
• Review all safety data sheets (SDSs) 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 ahead of time that construction, re-modelling, waxing, shampooing, painting, spraying, etc. will be conducted 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 needs of workers. The policy must also be applied uniformly throughout the company.

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

Examples include:

Some ABC Company employees report sensitivities to various chemical-based or scented products. We ask for everyone's cooperation in our efforts to accommodate their well-being.

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 not to 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 that our company should eliminate or reduce the use of certain products that may affect a person's health?

Do you feel our company should offer programs encouraging workers 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? And if so, describe.

Do you use any scented products such as shampoo, soap, hand lotions, perfumes, cologne, hair spray, or deodorant at work or 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 issue, if possible. Reduce all emissions from building materials, cleaning products, etc.

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

In some cases, it may be necessary to approach an individual who continues to use or wear scents. This request may come from human resources, the supervisor, management, the union, or according to terms of the policy and procedures as set by your organization. Note that the person suffering from environmental sensitivities does not have to be the one to approach the other individual. As with any human rights issue, it is not necessary for the affected individual to be identified.