Before implementing fragrancefree policy, its important to reach out to all members of your community so that they understand the rationale behind the policy, can discuss their concerns, and can contribute to developing practices that make spaces accessible for all. To identify these policies, an internet search was conducted with the key phrases fragrancefree, fragrance free, scentfree, scent free, and related terms. The american lung association sample fragrance free policy for schools. As a result the scent free or fragrance free policy has been adjusted somewhat and can better provide guidance for everyone. Model workplace fragrancefree policy word model policy template that can be edited and customized for any workplace, 2015 finding products without fragrances new york states green cleaning program keeps a list of asthmasafer cleaning products without fragrance. However, items can be added or removed to suit your workplace. Fragrancefree information chemical exposures articles. Under this policy, the board requests that all participants refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and other fragrances, and use unscented personal care products in order to promote a fragrance free environment. A fragrance free policy will help clean up the indoor air for everyone at your workplace. This policy applies to all who use this facility including staff, patients. Fragrancefree environment united states access board.
Allowing the employee to phone in for meetings with a higher likelihood of exposure to fragrances. Steps to develop your fragrance free program and policy information to develop a policy, and how to increase awareness of fragrance free initiatives at your facility. Staff and visitors are asked to refrain from using or wearing scented products when entering this workplace. A list of commonly scented products covered under this policy is available upon request.
American lung association guide to asthma policy for housing and schools. As a result, the board has adopted a policy for its meetings and public gatherings that will help reduce exposure to personal fragrances. Us centers for disease control follows fragrancefree policy. Due to the health concerns arising from exposure to scented products, abc company inc. Fragrancefree office policy a fragrancefree environment helps create a safe and healthy space. Soft and silky by granny oldfashioned products cream rinse, 100% oilfree 18004282343 b5 design gel by aubrey organics styles and thickens, with panthenol, aloe vera, and rosa mosqueta 18004282343.
If it were unhealthy the government wouldnt let it be sold read more. Formally launch your scentfree or scentreduced policy in your workplace. The use of scented products will not be allowed within the building at any time. This is a sample policy and can be adapted for your workplace needs. Employers who have concerns about the legalities of implementing a fragrance free policy as an accommodation should consult an. The policy fragrancefree policy statement a fragrancefree environment helps create a safe and healthy workplace. Soft and silky by granny oldfashioned products cream rinse, 100% oil free 18004282343 b5 design gel by aubrey organics styles and thickens, with panthenol, aloe vera, and rosa mosqueta 18004282343 earth science conditioner health food stores hairspray consort male hairspray unscented natural mist hair spray by aubrey organics. Fragrancefree policy some persons employed with or visiting governors council on disability offices or events report sensitivities to various chemicalbased or scented products. Implementing such a policy is not difficult, provided you seek buyin.
Some employers are choosing to have a voluntary fragrance free policy, educating employees about fragrance sensitivities and requesting employees to voluntarily refrain from wearing fragrances. Having no fragrance does not mean you are going to smell bad. When used in the classroom, there should be only one sanitizer bottle available for use by students at any one time. Acceptable fragrancefree products can also be found at your local. Some health professionals have compared fragrance free workplaces to that of smoke free workplaces. Under this policy, the school district also requests that all students and staff refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and other fragrances, and use unscented personal care products in order to promote a fragrance free environment. If you can smell a perfume, body wash or deodorant from more than an armslength away, that person is wearing too much, he says. Post the full fragrancefree policy where other important announcements and information are located to ensure a greater commitment from all, let employees know why these policies are in. The american lung association sample fragrancefree workplace policy. Improve workplace air quality with fragrancefree policies shrm. Implementing such a policy is not difficult, provided you seek buyin from the most important stakeholders.
Department of health and human services, october 10, 2010. As a result the scent free or fragrancefree policy has been adjusted somewhat and can better provide guidance for everyone. Ten questions concerning fragrancefree policies and. The american lung association sample fragrance free workplace policy. Its the model that other companies might want to use. A scentfree policy should take into account the multiple sources of odors. A fragrancefree environment helps create a safe and healthy workplace. These policies discourage people from wearing scented products. Using a set of 60 fragrancefree policies, it analyzes who, what, where, when, why, and how policies are implemented. In this months tip, we celebrate fragrance free policies and practicestips and tricks for being fragrance free, and debunk some harmful myths about this essential part of access for all. It then examines potential benefits of fragrancefree policies, such as avoided costs from illness and lost workdays, as well as challenges. Knowing that fragrance use significantly compromises indoor air quality and prevents access for some individuals, it is the policy of name of your health care facility to restrict the use of fragrance and fragrance products.
The city of portland, oregon voluntarily adopted such a policy in february 2011 that made all city offices fragrancefree. Some of these products can lead to asthma in people who never had it before. Implementing a workplace fragrance policy as an accommodation. Post a sign at the entranceways of your workplace to remind visitors and employees that the building or office is scentfree, and to be aware that fragrances can aggravate or cause health issues for people with sensitivities or other health conditions. Fragrances are any product which produces a scent, strong enough to be perceptible by others, including but not limited to personal care products, air fresheners, aerosols, incense, and scented. Ask your employer if they have considered issuing a fragrancefree policy. School scent free programs canadians for a safe learning. Workgroup members encouraged minneapolis public schools to continue the fragrance free education activities listed in table 1. Members recommended a multi media education campaign, with fragrance free information provided in several formats including letters to parents, fact sheets, entrance signs, voice mail, email,and the internet. A 100% fragrancefree environment may not be feasible, but steps can be. Implementing fragrancefree policy requires working with all members.
Understanding the differences between these two terms is important for consumers and purchasers looking for products without fragrances. With an estimated 45 million americans affected by chemical sensitivity, fragrancefree policies are becoming more common in the workplace. To establish guidance and procedures to protect and maintain safe indoor environmental quality, and guidelines for reporting and investigating complaints for all cdc employees at all cdc work areas including animal facilities. A product having minimal scent, labeled hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin. Many elements in the environment can trigger or influence health and disease. Sample fragrancefree policy american lung association. With an estimated 45 million americans affected by chemical sensitivity, fragrance free policies are becoming more common in the workplace. The list of symptoms people with scent sensitivities attribute to chemical fragrances is a lengthy one that includes everything from coughing. Even on a small scale this provides a visible sign of the companys concern about the health of its employees as. Some products may have the terms fragrancefree or unscented on their packaging. Consumers should choose unscented or fragrancefree products, he adds.
Cdc1 has issued the indoor environmental quality policy. Fragrance free policy some persons employed with or visiting governors council on disability offices or events report sensitivities to various chemicalbased or scented products. Fragrancefree policies can provide benefits for building occupants. The case for fragrance free schools whats in a fragrance. Companies have responded in various ways, some have reduced the percentage of floor space devoted to perfume. If sanitizers are approved for the supply list by school or district policy, the request should specify a minimum 60% alcohol content, dyefree and fragrancefree. Yet, it probably never occurred to us that our sweet smelling. By far the strongest indoor environmental quality policy is the one made by the us centers for disease control. Developing, implementing, and enforcing a fragrance policy should be handled in much the same way as any other employment policy.
Under this policy, the school district also requests that all students and staff refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and other fragrances, and use unscented personal care products in order to promote a fragrancefree environment. Members recommended a multi media education campaign, with fragrancefree information provided in several formats including letters to parents, fact sheets, entrance signs, voice mail, email,and the internet. My employer just started a fragrance free policy at work to accommodate several coworkers who don. Whe fragrance free schools toolkit healthy schools pa. The paper concludes with guidance and research directions for the future.
Environmental illness network minnesota is not endorsing or recommending the specific places, organizations, or policies on this list. In consideration of others who may suffer from chemical sensitivities andor allergies, we request that you refrain from wearing scents such as perfumes, colognes, hairspray or aftershave when at sunnybrook. Employee who wanted scentfree workplace is violating the. What types of products are associated with environmental sensitivities. This list is meant to be informational, and may be contributed to by those viewing it. Fragrance free environment sample policy sample workplace policy template disclaimer. Most of us are aware of potentially harmful substances in the environment such as pollution, exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke. Draft table of contents for fragrance free kit, under the. Issued fragrancefree policy and implementing language to protect employees and accommodate disabled workers.
Several retailers have noticed greater than a 30% drop in sales of perfume since the fragrance free policies were implemented. Apr 05, 2011 noel also urges people to maintain an armslength policy when using scented products. Fragrancefree policies from around the world a listly list. This clearly sets the stage for other public institutions to follow suit. Post the full fragrancefree policy where other important announcements and information are located to ensure a greater commitment from all, let employees know why these policies are in place, why it is. Ten questions concerning fragrancefree policies and indoor. Scent free policy in recognition of potential health risks, cmhacentral alberta has developed a scent free policy. Fragrances from personal care products, air fresheners, candles and cleaning products. Millions report adverse reactions to perfumes and fragrances. Learn more about how to implement a fragrancefree policy. A 100% fragrance free environment may not be feasible, but steps can be. Recommendations for developing a scentfree policy for the workplace before initiating a scentfree policy, you may want to start an ongoing education program. Some employers are choosing to have a voluntary fragrancefree policy, educating employees about fragrance sensitivities and requesting employees to.
Oct 22, 2014 with an estimated 45 million americans affected by chemical sensitivity, fragrance free policies are becoming more common in the workplace. Fragrances from personal care products, air fresheners, candles and cleaning products have been associated with adversely affecting a persons health including headaches, upper respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath, and difficulty with. Mshplexxus purchasing will make all reasonable efforts to inform suppliers of this policy and ensure all products used and purchases by the hospital such as cleaning products, soaps, paints, hand hygiene products etc. A 2009 study revealed that a considerable percentage of the american population experiences adverse health effects from fragranced products. The policy has been instituted in all of the cdcs offices, affecting more than 15,000 employees nationwide.
A case for fragrancefree schools indoor air quality and actions 1405 shady avenue t. Fragrances from personal care products, air fresheners, candles and cleaning products have been associated with adversely affecting a. It is suggested the term fragrance free policy not be used, given that it is virtually impossible to create a 100% fragrance free environment. We even know that inhaling or using some cleaning products, paint, glues and stains can be hazardous. Several retailers have noticed greater than a 33% drop in sales of perfume since fragrance free policies were implemented greenberg, 1999. Fragrance chemicals are not harmless 84% of these ingredients have never been tested for human toxicity, or have been tested only minimally. Anne steinemanns research on the secret ingredients of fragranced products, which underpins the case for fragrance free workplaces. This is a list of links to fragrancefree accommodation policies and guidelines from around the world. It is suggested the term fragrancefree policy not be used, given that it is virtually impossible to create a 100% fragrancefree environment.
Employee who wanted scentfree workplace is violating the policy. Recommendations for developing a scent free policy for the workplace before initiating a scent free policy, you may want to start an ongoing education program. Use one of the many policies already available online. Improve workplace air quality with fragrancefree policies. It is also a good idea to give employees at least one or two ideas for how they can handle odors that are not controllable, such as electrical equipment, food odors from break rooms, fragrances that others may not. Some companies have reduced the percentage of floor space.
Fragrance in the workplace, page 1 fragrance in the workplace. The policy should apply throughout the organization, and visitors as well as employees must be informed of the expectations. This is a list of links to fragrance free accommodation policies and guidelines from around the world. Some health professionals have compared fragrancefree workplaces to that of smokefree workplaces. We ask for everyones cooperation in our efforts to accommodate their health concerns. A fragrancefree policy will help clean up the indoor air for everyone at your workplace. Some employers are choosing to have a voluntary fragrancefree policy, educating employees about fragrance sensitivities and requesting employees to voluntarily refrain from wearing fragrances. This request is included in notices and on displayed signage throughout school buildings. Issued fragrance free policy and implementing language to protect employees and accommodate disabled workers. Anne steinemanns research on the secret ingredients of fragranced products, which underpins the case for fragrancefree workplaces. If sanitizers are approved for the supply list by school or district policy, the request should specify a minimum 60% alcohol content, dye free and fragrance free.
It applies to the cdc offices nationwide, covering some 15,000 employees. There is separate list for minnesota fragrance free policies. In halifax, nova scotia, many of the public and private organizations went fragrance free over 10 years ago. Fragrance sensitivities raise bouquet of legal issues. Visit the whe website for examples of fragrancefree workplace policies. Centers for disease control and prevention cdc has been following a fragrancefree policy as part of its indoor environmental quality policy since 2009.
The city of portland, oregon voluntarily adopted such a policy in february 2011 that made all city offices fragrance free. Sep 27, 2011 by far the strongest indoor environmental quality policy is the one made by the us centers for disease control. How to write workplace fragrance policy templates free. Under this policy, the board requests that all participants refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and other fragrances, and use unscented personal care products in order to promote a fragrancefree environment. Aug 29, 2016 ask your employer if they have considered issuing a fragrance free policy. The american lung association sample fragrancefree policy for schools. Workgroup members encouraged minneapolis public schools to continue the fragrancefree education activities listed in table 1. The chemical sensitivity foundation fragrancefree workplaces. For this paper, to provide a reconnaissance and insights on fragrancefree policies, a set of fragrancefree policies were selected for analysis. Noel also urges people to maintain an armslength policy when using scented products. A product labeled unscented, scentfree or fragrancefree by the manufacturer. Consumers should choose unscented or fragrance free products, he adds. Discuss a fragrancefree workplace policy with your human resources department. Employees who repeatedly violate the policy should be subjected to the same sort of disciplinary action that any policy breach would entail.