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I love fragrances. Always have fragranced candles burning in the house, use fabric softener and laundry detergent with fragrance, smell all the perfume samples in magazines, etc. I feel for those you are allergic to them. I have one allergy, but thankfully, it's easy to manage.
I love fragrances. Always have fragranced candles burning in the house, use fabric softener and laundry detergent with fragrance, smell all the perfume samples in magazines, etc. I feel for those you are allergic to them. I have one allergy, but thankfully, it's easy to manage.
Yes, you are very fortunate not to get sick from those chemicals. And I'm sure you are considerate of anyone who cannot be around it.
Unfortunately our HR manager says there is no scientific proof that fragrances can really make anyone sick. And that if we are bothered by it, we need to talk to the person wearing it.
Tried talking with the ones wearing the toxic stuff, some were very approachable and willing to stop wearing the stench. Others (no matter how tactful, or how pleasant my tone of voice), they became very defensive and rude, and ended up wearing more!
There are many employers (I need to fine one!) who are concerned about all employee's health and have implemented a fragrance-free workplace. HR managers who don't care are the ones who ignore the situation.
I agree that talking to the individuals is best. However, a disorder generally called "Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) or Environmental Illness" can be subject in some situations to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). In severe cases, employers can be compelled through this act to alter work environments for those who are somewhat disabled from chemical poisoning (completely disabled obviously wouldn't be working anyway).
I'm certainly not saying you are disabled, and you need not be worried .. I've never heard of anyone getting MCS from regular day-day fragrance exposure .. but it may help when talking to your employer and co-workers to gently provide some references to give them a better understanding. I have not found any basis or precedent for a lawsuit to ensure a fragrance-free workspace, but often, information can foster understanding, so here are some sites that might help. Also, there is much more to be found (including government position papers supporting the definition of MCS) by doing some more googling.
Also, the following site shows a sample of a small personal air cleaner that hangs around your neck. It is not the most practical because it is battery operated, but I have one and I have found that it at least helps a little bit (and I look so cool wearing it ). You might also google around for some other options like this or smaller desk top or plug-in air filters (WalMart has some plug-in ones). Ultra-Mini Air Supply™ - Magellan's Travel Supplies
Finally, in terms of "tests" for sensitivity to chemicals, maybe search a NASA-derived diagnostic and treatment device called a SCIO, or check out Genova Diagnostics (http://www.gdx.net/home/ - broken link) .. this is one of the best diagnostic labs (according to many docs I have met) and they have a hair analysis test that can show high levels of metals/chemicals in the body.
Overall, probably way more than you needed to know, but I have noticed more and more places that, if not fragrance-free, are at least understanding.
best wishes ~
Last edited by dgoboy204; 12-01-2007 at 10:31 PM..
Reason: more info
While sensitivity to the chemicals in fragrances is real; it's up to the employer whether or not they choose to recognize the issue.
Our HR mgr doesn't want to be bothered, and our HR mgr is more interested in herself and her career vs employees.
If one of the muckity-mucks complained about the perfumes/colognes, a fragrance-free policy would be implemented before the day was out....such is life in our company, and many others I'm afraid.
I love fragrances. Always have fragranced candles burning in the house, use fabric softener and laundry detergent with fragrance, smell all the perfume samples in magazines, etc. I feel for those you are allergic to them. I have one allergy, but thankfully, it's easy to manage.
I'm with you - scented candles are all over our home - I love fabreze and the new scented fabric softeners are great -
I love the smell of perfumes on a woman (remember the movie - "Scent of a Woman"?)
Like you, I'm sorry others are "allergic" to fragrances.
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