The “Scent Free” Policy
and Toxic Space

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a condition that develops in the body after a chemical exposure, which frequently happens in the workplace. This condition is sometimes called 20th Century Disease because affected people react to synthetic products invented in the 20th century such as those derived from petrochemicals used to make perfumes. These people have become sensitized to chemicals that are harmful to all living beings and the environment, such as phenols in scented products, while others have not become as affected and do not show symptoms.
Living with the disease is difficult because there is little medical support, few resources and no legal advocacy. Chemical Sensitivity is an invisible disability in two ways: socially, we can’t identify a sufferer because they look like anyone else. The disease is misunderstood and not yet well known although it affects a consistent percentage of populations all over North America. Although there are treatments and research being done in clinics all over the world, there is no popular scientific way to identify this condition and therefore it is not given credibility in conventional medical institutions.
Many public places such as government buildings and institutions in Canada have scent-free policies, however very little is being done to prevent scents — from toxic products such as air fresheners, perfumes, cleaners and even inks — from being used or carried into these environments. This leaves people with Chemical Sensitivities or Environmental Illness in compromising positions: places we live and work in are not safe and therefore not accessible.
Thousands of Cancer patients and Cancer survivors, people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the elderly and some young children find themselves in this position daily as well. Let me describe to you what exactly it is like to live a day in their shoes.
If one is lucky enough to live in a safe house or apartment building, his or her problems don’t start until after leaving home for the day. They will however encounter exhaust fumes from traffic, cigarette smoke, perfumes and colognes likely before getting to their destinations. Bus stops, city streets and parking lots are usually the first toxic spaces we have to contend with each day. Some of us have severe reactions to pesticides on lawns such as nausea, sore throat, respiratory problems, and headaches. At shopping centers we will encounter any number of chemical smells in the air, however the fact that we can move through this space or leave if necessary helps a bit. If one works, he or she doesn’t usually have that liberty and so must either communicate to employers and fellow workers about the condition, suffer anxiety and various symptoms throughout each day, or quit.
If we work with the public to face to face there is no telling when a customer or client will be wearing perfume or cologne. Some of us have to work with harsh cleaners, or other extremely toxic chemicals such as Raid.
Social and leisure time can be just as stressful because of encounters like I have already mentioned. Many of us can’t go to movies, bars or even gyms because of the risks that come with being in close proximity with others. This is one reason why our illness is alienating physically and emotionally.
Another reason why we feel alienated is that it is difficult to communicate our needs. Our needs seem obscure and unreasonable to some. Many co-workers I have talked with about my concerns have shown sympathy but not understanding, and have continued to wear scents and use products in the workplace. Employers rarely accommodate and if asked for special arrangements they are usually taken aback. People generally don’t know a lot about the condition and as a result we feel we have to educate them, endure the toxic environment, leave situations constantly, or completely retreat from society.
I would like to see corporations, employers and institutions educate their patrons and employees and enforce scent-free policies, for the good of everyone’s health. Employers should post signs clearly for the public entering their buildings, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for employees who continue to use scented products.
Any place where harsh chemicals are used, stored or manufactured is a toxic space, and potentially could be seriously harmful to the health of those who pass through, dwell or work in that space.  Simply put, we need to make our environments safe, accessible and non-toxic to living organisms and to the earth; one place we can start is in public places.

Sensitized: To become reactive to a substance, such as cigarette smoke, usually after repeated exposure.

20th Century Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and/or Environmental Illness: Conditions characterized by various reactions after a chemical or toxic exposure, for example, to mold pathogens.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A condition characterized by symptoms such as fatigue and pain which can derive from organ toxicity from pharmaceuticals or an exposure to chemicals or toxins.

Exposure: to make contact with a potentially harmful substance.

Accessibility: the degree to which a service or place is made safe for those with special needs, for example, a wheel chair ramp in a school.