Are You Suffering With Fragrance Sensitivities?

You cannot escape the smell of fragrances or cologne. They're everywhere you find people.  However, the most aggravating issue is for individuals who are sensitive or allergic to certain fragrances.

According to an article by June Russell, studies have shown that shortness of breath or asthma-like symptoms have been caused by fragrances. Being a chemical receptor the nose can also be affected with sneezing and sinus problems.  Studies also reveal that inhaling fragrances can cause circulatory changes in the brain that can trigger migraine headaches, inhibiting the ability to concentrate, dizziness and fatigue.  Other symptoms can include watery eyes, nausea, sore throat, cough and chest tightness.

What do you do if you're a person sensitive to perfume and work with people whose fragrance is affecting your ability to do your job effectively?

Here are some suggestions you can try to make others aware of the fact you have a fragrance sensitivity.   

Change the location within the office where you're working.
You have the option of moving away from the person whose fragrance you find to be offensive.   You could also stay away from common areas where people congregate - foyer or break room.  Of course, this option may be almost impossible in your job situation. In addition, some workers really pour on the cologne so that it permeates the entire workspace and there's no escape. 

Work away from home a few days a week.  You may be able to work offsite and spend time outside the environment where you're being affected.  When you do have to show up at the office, you may not be affected as much by the fragrances of others since you've been away.  Not all offices allow virtual workers.  On some jobs fellow employees need to be in contact with others face-to-face.

Change your work schedule. Some people have opted to show up at work at 6 a.m. to have less contact with co-workers.  You could also work out an arrangement where you leave earlier in the day so you reduce the time you're exposed to offending fragrances.

Try using an air purifier.  If you are in a private office where you can shut the door and turn on an air purifier, then you've got it made.  Choose a system with a carbon or gas filter.  A system that simply filters dust won't be of much use to you either.

Use a portable fan.  A small fan would be effective to blow away stagnant air and blow away any odors lingering in your personal workspace.

Develop different but acceptable methods of communication.  In this day of high-technology, there's little excuse why we cannot work via email, phone, text messaging or faxing as much as possible to cut down our contact with those whose perfumes are making it difficult for you to perform your job effectively.

If none of the above suggestions offer you any improvement, here are two more ideas that take a more direct approach:

Approach your fellow employee in a positive manner. Tell your co-worker about your concern with the scented product he or she is wearing in the area where you work together.  Be as specific as possible informing your co-worker how your health is affected by their cologne: headaches, runny nose, watery eyes, trouble breathing and concentrating.  Share how at times you have to take an anti-allergy medication such as Benadryl to relieve your symptoms. 

Supervisors should speak to all employees about the fragrance problem.  Rather than singling out one person, ask your supervisor to discuss your concern in a non-threatening manner with the entire staff.  The supervisor must inform his employees that it is his responsibility to provide employees with a safe environment which does not compromise their health or their ability to focus on their job.  One effective alternative is to declare the workplace a scent/fragrance free environment.   

John
Email John:   johnsblog@teshmedia.com

New health issues are a part of our world everyday.  In my book, Intelligence For Your Life:  Powerful Lessons For Personal Growth I share a lot of the latest information about how to stay healthy.  You can purchase your copy of my new book at your local bookstore or online at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

Comments

[John Albiniak]

Are there any statistics on what percentage of the U.S. population is affected by toxic fragrances? Nearly everyone in our family is affected in one way or another, and we know many other people who get sick from perfume and other scented products. Exactly how wide spread is this problem? Are there any actual numbers available?

[Maria]

I am from Peru but I am living in USA, the other day my friend Dick said good bye to me with a litlle kiss on my lips, what does exactly mean?

[Linda]

Thank you so much John for sharing this fragrance and chemical sensitivity issue. I have been treated so badly with people and professionals who just do not understand this issue can cause illness and you are not trying to create problems. Your blog was so timely for me and I appreciate it so much. Thanks for doing all you do! Linda