Summary: Implement a fragrance-free policy in your spaces.
Who it helps: People with chemical sensitivities and other disabilities that cause reactions to fragrances.
Additional benefits: Many people find fragrance-free spaces more pleasant.

Fragrances like perfumes and air freshners can do many things. Unfortunately, one of those things is that they can make people sick. You can avoid this problem by having a fragrance-free policy in your space.

Who is sensitive to fragrances?

Many people with disabilities are sensitive to fragrances and other chemicals they inhale or smell. When exposed to these chemicals, these people may become sick, have an allergic reaction, become dizzy or faint, or become disoriented. Others may feel itchy or have watery eyes. In some cases, people may need to go to a hospital. 

The disabilities that cause this reaction vary. Some people have chemical sensitivity. Others have conditions that affect their nervous system. Many people with asthma, digestive diseases, or allergies react to fragrances too, especially if they are allergic to alcohol. This sensitivity is also common among autistic people and those who are pregnant. 

Many people without this sensitivity also find these fragrances unpleasant.

What can you do?

A fragrance-free policy in your workplace, business, or other space will keep people with disabilities safe. This policy can take a few different forms:

• Asking visitors, customers, or attendees not to wear fragrances in your space, and potentially asking them to leave if they do so.

• Placing a no-fragrance rule in your workplace code of conduct.

• Hanging signs that ask people not to wear fragrances or release fragrances in your space.

• Using unscented or "free and clear" cleaning products and soap. Many scented cleaning products cause similar reactions to fragrances.

There are some things beyond the policy you can do as well:

• When you go out in public, avoid wearing perfume or cologne, as you do not know who you may affect by wearing this fragrance.

• Try to use scent-free or "free and clear" cleaning products and soap at home.

• Avoid using air fresheners where possible.

• Warn people if incense, a sage smudge, or other burning scent objects are in use, as these can cause problems as well.

• Educate others! Many people are not aware of sensitivities to fragrances and smells.

• Keep your spaces well-ventilated, in case someone does arrive with a fragrance, or a highly scented product is used. This is also helpful for cases when you may need to use incense - for example, in a religious ceremony.