Access Issues & Accommodation

Those that have problems from fragrance often find scented products are a barrier to accessing health care, work, and other activities. Barriers to access are usually thought of as things such as steps and curbs. For many encountering the invisible wall of fragrance that hangs in the air is as much of a barrier to access as steps are to a wheelchair. Because both the disability and the barrier are invisible, few outside of those affected realize access has been denied.

For others access is not so completely denied. They struggle on a daily basis to function in workplaces in which co-workers perfumes and air fresheners in bathrooms causes their lungs to burn and constrict or blinding migraine headaches. Their health is in a downward spiral with ever increasing dosage of medications required to keep them functioning. Which do they choose . . . health or their job?

In the case of accessing health care, the choices are less clear and often harder when seeking medical care often means it is likely you will leave the doctor's office sicker than when you went in. Health care staff often use scented products, cleaners and air fresheners add to the exposure.

Social activities are often forfeited to preserve health. Church and other activities are simply not worth the price of attending. The social isolation is often overwhelming as friends and family are often unwilling to forgo their favorite products. If friends and families don't understand, how can one expect the rest of the world to?

Is it possible for those made ill by exposure to fragrance to have a job, access to health care, social interactions and health?

Yes, in most circumstances it is possible, but not always easy. Accommodation of those whose health is negatively impacted fragrance can range from very simple to very complex. The mind set of the parties involved plays an important role in how effective accommodation can be.

Those that are negatively impacted by fragrance must have reasonable expectations. In our highly fragranced world complete avoidance of exposure to scented products is almost impossible. Complete avoidance is difficult to obtain, but certainly exposures can be diminished considerably. If this can be accepted, it increases the chances of accommodation being possible.

Accommodating those sensitive to fragrance is simple in concept, but often complex in implementation. There is often resistance or lack of understanding among employees and administration. Scented products includes laundry products, personal care items, cleaning supplies, and a host of other items. Eliminating all sources of fragrance means finding substitutions for a wide variety of products used both personally by employees and in the workplace. Further it is difficult to control exposures from outside visitors.

However, with a cooperative effort, most of those that are negatively impacted by fragrance can be accommodated and in the process a healthier environment provided for all. Simple measures such as elimination of air fresheners in bathrooms and scented cleaners, increased ventilation, and asking employees to refrain from using highly scented products are often adequate. Education should be included so the rationale for policies are understood.

The pages in this section provides helpful information for both those that are seeking accommodation and those that are asked to accommodate.

Workplace Access
Workplace Policies
Economic Considerations
Indoor Air Quality
Health Conditions Impacted by Fragrance
Policies & Wordage