Fragrance Sensitivity Guidelines
As a university, we recognize that some individuals may experience adverse health effects from exposure to products containing fragrances and that these impacts can have a real impact on a community member’s ability to learn and work at TMU. For this reason, the university has Fragrance Sensitivity Guidelines that are designed to:
- Increase awareness about the potential effects of fragrance products on individuals who have sensitivities.
- Request the cooperation of the university community towards a fragrance-free environment.
- Uphold the university’s legal obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”) regarding the duty to accommodate persons with disabilities.
This guideline applies to the TMU Community.
Committing to fragrance-free practices
The following are practices that individuals can use to help minimize exposure to fragranced products:
- Minimize the use of fragranced products and use fragrance-free products wherever possible.
- Maintain adequate ventilation within your workplace environment (e.g. do not block air vents).
- Schedule cleaning, maintenance, renovation and other work that have "atypical" odours at times of reduced occupancy whenever possible.
What is considered a fragrance product?
Fragranced products refers to products containing chemicals that produce odours and smells and are often included on product packaging ingredients lists as “fragrance”, “artificial fragrance” or “perfume”.
- Air fresheners
- Candles and incense
- Certain types of garbage bags
- Cosmetics
- Deodorants and antiperspirants
- Diapers and other sanitary products
- Fragranced cleaning products, e.g. Lysol, solvent cleaners
- Hairsprays
- Hand sanitizers
- Laundry detergent
- Lotions and Creams
- Markers
- Oils
- Perfumes, colognes and body sprays
- Potpourri
- Shampoos and Conditioners
- Soaps and body washes
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Hyperventilation
- Increased stress hormone
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise
- Nausea
- Skin irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Tight feeling in the chest
- Upper respiratory symptoms
- Weakness
It’s important to remember that symptoms vary significantly among individuals and the absence of a symptom listed above does not invalidate a reported sensitivity.
For more information
For role specific guidance on what to do if you are experiencing an adverse health effect due to an individual's fragrance, or made aware of one by a student, employee or colleague please review the complete (google doc) Fragrance Sensitivity Guidelines (external link, opens in new window) .
Questions
For any questions regarding this guideline, contact Environmental Health & Safety.