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How to Handle Scent-sitive Situations
Why can the use of scented products be considered a sensitive issue?
- Powerful messages are given through advertising that scented products are uniformly
appealing and enhancing to individuals, and their broader living environment. People need
to be educated that this is not the case for all individuals in all environments.
- Commenting upon a person's choice of personal care products can be interpreted as
personal criticism and an affront. When talking about the problems associated with the
use of perfumed and scented products it is important to remember that the dialogue should
be based on information and education rather than to any comments upon personal choices
that have been made.
- There are cultural differences that should be taken into account when talking about the
use of scented products in order not to give offense.
If you are a person who is adversely affected by the scented products used by others
- REMEMBER THAT EDUCATION IS THE KEY when discussing the issue.
Many people do not know about the University of Calgary's scent-free initiative.
Some basic suggestions about how to deal with a problem arising from the use of scented
products:
- Approach the person discreetly.
- Clearly and courteously explain why the University of Calgary has a scent-free
initiative and the benefits of adopting scent-free practices.
- Direct the person to where they can get further information (website).
If you are wearing a scented product(s) and you are approached by someone who is
chemically sensitive or someone acting on their behalf:
- Do not take the request to refrain from using scented products as a personal affront
— this is about the impact of chemicals on people, not about you.
- Work with others to find out what product or products are causing the reaction.
- Become part of the solution and switch to fragrance-free products.
Guidelines for Students, Staff, Faculty
The following is designed to provide some guidelines for the handling of what is a sensitive
issue for many people. How do you deal with complaints in the office, in the classroom, and
in public spaces at the university?
For Employees and Supervisors
For Professors, Lecturers and Teaching Assistants
For Students
For All Members of The University of Calgary Community
For Employees and Supervisors
If you are an employee who suffers reactions to scented products and there is a scent
in your surroundings that is causing you to have a reaction, you should do the following:
The direct approach
- If the scent is being worn by someone in your office and you know the person well, you
could approach them directly. Explain what the problem is — what you think you are
reacting to and explain the kind of reaction(s) the fragrance triggers.
- Ask him or her to visit this website for more information.
- Ask your coworker to consider switching to unscented products.
The indirect approach
If you feel that direct contact with the scent would worsen your reaction or if you don't
feel comfortable approaching the person wearing the scent, speak to your supervisor. If
necessary, ask your supervisor to relocate you to another area until the scent is gone.
If you become ill, follow the normal procedures for reporting illness at work. If the
situation does not improve, seek further advice by emailing contact on website.
If you have sensitivities towards scents and start working in a new department, or you
have recently developed an adverse reaction to fragrance:
- Tell your supervisor and co-workers.
- Explain what causes your reactions and what kind of problems you are experiencing.
Ask for their assistance. Offer more information by directing them to this website.
- Ask your supervisor to alert those people responsible for facilities management in
your building so they can warn you when activities such as painting, varnishing,
fumigating or carpet cleaning are scheduled.
If you are a supervisor and you have an employee in your department who suffers from
health problems triggered by scents:
Be proactive. Talk to the employee so he or she knows that you are approachable about the
subject. If the employee reports a problem to you, respond as quickly as possible.
If the employee reports a problem to you:
- Get the employee away from the scent that is causing the problem.
- Discreetly approach the employee who is wearing the scent and politely discuss the
problem. Point out that the University has a scent-free program and encourage the
employee to visit this website for more information.
- Get back to the employee who is experiencing a reaction with an account of what has
been done on her/his behalf. Continue to monitor the situation until the problem has
been corrected.
- If the problem persists, email the contact on the Scent-Free website.
If you are an employee who is wearing a scented product(s) and you are approached by
another employee or your supervisor:
- Do not take the request to refrain from using scented products as a personal affront
— this is about the impact of chemicals on people, not about you.
- Work with others to find out what product or products are causing the reaction.
- Educate yourself about the need for a scent-free program.
- Become part of the solution and switch to fragrance-free products.
For Professors, Lecturers and Teaching Assistants
If you are a professor, lecturer or teaching assistant who suffers reactions to scented
products and there is scent in your classroom that is causing you to have a reaction, you
should do the following:
- Inform students that the university has a scent-free program (it would be helpful for
you to remind students of the program at the first class of each term.)
- Direct them to this website so they can learn more.
- Explain the impact that scented products have on you personally.
- Ask the class to become part of the solution and stop wearing scented products to your
class or anywhere on campus.
- If the situation persists, discreetly approach the student or students who are wearing
the scent.
- Explain what the problem is and what kind of reaction(s) the fragrance triggers.
- Again direct them to this website and ask them to switch to wearing unscented
products.
For Students
If you are a student having reactions to your roommate's/neighbor's scents in residence:
- If you know the person well and feel comfortable with him or her, you could approach
him or her directly. Explain what the problem is -- what you think you are reacting to
and explain what kind of reaction(s) the fragrance triggers.
- Ask him or her to visit this website for more information.
- Ask your roommate/neighbour to consider switching to unscented products.
- If you feel that direct contact with the scent would worsen your reaction or if you
don't feel comfortable approaching the person wearing the scent, tell your Resident
Assistant and they will talk with him or her.
- If this a serious problem that may require alternative arrangements, contact the
Residence Life Manager in your residence.
If you're having a reaction to the scented products worn by your classmate(s):
If it's a fragrance (or fragrances) worn by a particular classmate:
- If you know the person well and feel comfortable with him or her, you can:
- Explain what the problem is -- what you think you are reacting to and explain what
kind of reaction(s) the fragrance triggers.
- Ask her or him to visit the university's Scent-Free website for educational
information.
- Ask your classmate if he or she would consider switching to unscented products.
- If you feel that direct contact with the scent would worsen your reaction or if you
don't feel comfortable approaching the person wearing the scent, approach your professor
or the teaching assistant and ask that they speak to your classmates about the matter.
If the problem continues, email contact on Scent-Free website.
If you are a student who is wearing a scented product(s) and you are approached by another
student or your professor:
- Do not take the request to refrain from using scented products as a personal affront
— this is about the impact of chemicals on people, not about you.
- Work with others to find out what product or products are causing the reaction.
- Be part of the solution and switch to fragrance-free products.
For All Members of the University of Calgary Community
If you are having a reaction to a scented product on campus:
- You could approach the person wearing the fragrance directly. Explain what the problem
is -- what you think you are reacting to and explain what kind of reaction(s) the
fragrance triggers.
- Tell them where they can get information. Direct the person to this website.
- Ask the person wearing the fragrance if he or she would consider switching to
unscented products.
If you feel that direct contact with the scent would worsen your reaction or if you don't
feel comfortable approaching the person wearing the scent, approach the person working at the
counter, or their supervisor, to see if they will talk with the person.
If attending a performance at one of the University theatres or Rozsa Centre ask if you can be
moved to another section for seating, away from the person wearing scent.
Whenever discussing this issue remember not to be confrontational or hostile, and focus on
the fact that education is the key issue.
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