Fragrances have several potentially negative health effects
and many people don’t realize how offensive their fragrances are to some
people. Especially working in the healthcare industry, it’s very irritating to
the respiratory system when patients wear heavily scented perfumes or body
lotions. To properly develop a fragrance-free policy, I believe that it is best
to begin with examining existing policies. Current policies are mainly seen in
healthcare, advising patients to be fragrance-free for their appointments. However,
this is not particularly effective, since patients still show up smelling
heavily of fragrance. Patients may be unaware that the scent they have grown
used to is offensive to others. I feel that the best approach to developing a chemical/fragrance
policy to decrease body burdens and exposures is an educational approach.
Initially,
it would be beneficial to research the most commonly used beauty products and fragrances.
For example, this may include strong scents such as Chanel No. 5, Bath and Body
Works sprays/lotions, and baby powder. From there, creating education materials
pertaining to products people recognize will create a bigger impact instead of
stating complex chemicals. Educating patients, students, and staff on the potential
dangers of their fragrances and making them applicable to products they use
will make people more accountable. I would also want to include the effects of
exposure to the chemicals in products on individuals as well as others. For
exposures related to cleaning products, I would implement a policy where rooms
will be unusable until the fragrance has cleared. For example, the Saniwipes used
in medical facilities has a 3-minute dwell time, which would be the time that
the wipes still emit odor and are present. Also for heavily scented or deep cleanings, I
would have staff conduct cleanings when patients or students are not around to
reduce the overall body burden.
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteI agree that some people don't realize that other people are sensitive to some fragrances or that some people can suffer from adverse health effects. I like your idea about looking into products that people use and then create education materials about its chemical content. People need to be aware if the product they use can harm them and other people. I also agree that people will feel more accountable if they know the adverse health effects of the product that they use.
- Krissy
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteI think you are spot on about having fragrance free policies in healthcare settings. There are pregnant women, immunocompromised patients like people undergoing chemotherapy who upon entering or exiting the hospital may cross paths or have the perfume/cologne lingering in the hallways which can be nauseating and cause headaches. I also agree there should be a strict fragrance free policy in the hospitals and clinical settings.