Discussions

I am wondering if Prairie Mountain Health and the City of Brandon have Scent-free policies in place? In my experience, neither place does but I could be wrong.  
 
People with respiratory issues have a hard enough time just trying to breathe without the awful stench of an employee/co-worker dipped & swirled in perfume/cologne.  
 
Why is public service so behind with this? To me, it’s a no-brainer especially at the hospital where health should be the first and foremost priority. Last I heard, the smokers were moved to the sidewalk at the hospital but the puffs of perfume inside are enough to knock out a horse, employees or patients/visitors.  
 
The city implemented a no plastic water bottle policy or bylaw to help save the environment and yet there’s no consideration taken to save the breath of employees or anyone who does business there.  
 
Obviously, I’m missing something or I’m ahead of my time because I don’t think a no-scent policy should have to come from internal or external complaints. I think management at the city and hospital should take the initiative and implement this policy for the health of everyone who needs to breathe. Or am I mistaken? Do these places have this policy in place and I’ve just been unlucky to deal with the stinkers? (No, you don't smell pretty. You stink to some of us) How do other employers deal with this? What do you do if you work closely with people who reek?  
 
I’ve worked where there’s even been a hygiene policy in place and people were sent home to shower. I feel for the co-workers who have nowhere to turn if they are forced to breathe in the overpowering scents.  
 
I think it’s time for management in Public Service workplaces (and all workplaces ideally) to take the initiative and implement no-scent policies and stop putting the onus on employees/customers to make complaints.  
 
JMO and wondering what others have experienced or what opinions are out there on this topic. Thanks! Breathe easy kids

You must not have visited the hospital recently? It is a a perfume free Zone and if you go for tests, they stress that fact in the letter you get and they also note any highly perfumed body items are not wanted. As for the offices, I don't know their policies.

Prairie Mountain Health has a scent-free policy for years. Now that doesn't mean people always follow it (staff and visitors both). Feel free to speak up if you have an issue when you are there as it is policy.

Most places I have been to lately are scent free environments. however, this is a very hard thing to control as everything and everyone has their own scent. its a question of are you smelling perfume or did that person just have a shower and your smelling their conditioner? everything has a scent so in my opinion its really impossible to have a scent free zone. if someones scent is bothering you in an area I suggest asking to deal with someone else. this may make them aware that they have a strong scent as well.

It is not just cosmetic perfumes that are a problem. What I have found is that laundry detergents and deodorants have become increasingly more strongly scented (to the point of extremely stinky). As much as I find that they all smell bad, some brands seem to be worse than others.  
 
As much as everyone may have their own "scent", it is generally the synthetic ones that are giving people problems. These problems can be respiratory, but it can also cause nausea or be a trigger for migraines or a behavioral trigger for some with ADD or ADHD.  
 
It is true that it is not practical to live as a hermit, away from these things, but it is very welcome to have workplaces that incorporate these policies and actually enforce them.  
 
It is also appreciated if those who are aware of other people's real problems with the synthetic scents are kind and gracious enough to be considerate of others, putting others ahead of themselves, and not belittling others' health issues.  
 
I realize this is not a natural reaction for someone being asked to change anything (even for a legitimate reason) because people are inherently selfish from birth. Being gracious and understanding, and respecting others, is a sign of maturity. Others are not asking you to change your whole world, but to respect a request to accommodate them on occasion.

Flutterby said "It is not just cosmetic perfumes that are a problem. What I have found is that laundry detergents and deodorants have become increasingly more strongly scented (to the point of extremely stinky). As much as I find that they all smell bad, some brands seem to be worse than others.     As much as everyone may have their own "scent", it is generally the synthetic ones that are giving people problems. These problems can be respiratory, but it can also cause nausea or be a trigger for migraines or a behavioral trigger for some with ADD or ADHD.     It is true that it is not practical to live as a hermit, away from these things, but it is very welcome to have workplaces that incorporate these policies and actually enforce them.     It is also appreciated if those who are aware of other people's real problems with the synthetic scents are kind and gracious enough to be considerate of others, putting others ahead of themselves, and not belittling others' health issues.     I realize this is not a natural reaction for someone being asked to change anything (even for a legitimate reason) because people are inherently selfish from birth. Being gracious and understanding, and respecting others, is a sign of maturity. Others are not asking you to change your whole world, but to respect a request to accommodate them on occasion. "

Okay you need to tell me which laundry detergents and deodorants are strong smelling please. I have yet to find a laundry detergent that the smell stays in the clothing. As for the deodorants, strong smelling? Haven't come across any of them either.

I don't generally comment much, however I'll answer this one. The worst laundry detergent is Gain. The smell truly lingers in the clothes.  
I just had to give away a big bottle of Tide liquid laundry detergent because the smell lingering on my husband and my clothes was giving me a headache.  
I stand, holding my breath,in the detergent aisle,desperatly reading labels, looking for unscented. Ivory detergent is usually a safe bet. The cheap,no name stuff is sometimes unscented as well. The struggle is real for those of us who have scent allergies.

when hospital staff were not even allowed to bring citrus fruit in their lunch-not likely the whole hospital, but one particular area -there was signage saying that due to allergies no citrus fruit allowed. I was surprised to see that.

Yeah, scent free is the way to go. I get really p$$ed if somebody is wearing half their body weight in perfume or cologne whether its at a church, a concert or in a concert band which I am playing. It makes it very difficult to breathe, even more so if I am playing my instrument.

Thank you, Frivolouspink. I suspect that FML perhaps is so into scents that they don't realize they stink (a smoker can be oblivious to that too), or just wants to make a problem here. I too understand the stinky laundry aisle and spend as little time in there as I have to.  
 
An interesting note...my husband says that although he can't even smell a skunk. ..no kidding...he says that a laundry aisle can give him a headache.  
 
I usually don't comment on this subject here either. It seems either you understand the problem...or you don't care.

If somebody said to me your scent is bothering my allergy I wouldn't hesitate to do something to remedy the situation. but come at me all you reek you stink you could knock out a horse you idiot yada yada yada Ill probably just say screw you get over it, and that's the tone Im getting from some of the posters here today just my opinion have atter.

why some people have to drown themselves in perfume or aftershave! The worst perfume the ladies wear is the stuff that smells sweet as candy.

we all just go au natural, like before deodorant, body washes, perfumes, shampoo, etc. was developed?  
 
I do agree that some put way too much on, but where do we draw the line. Everyone has different reactions to scents. Respect needs to go both ways.

Hackeda said "I am wondering if Prairie Mountain Health and the City of Brandon have Scent-free policies in place? In my experience, neither place does but I could be wrong.     People with respiratory issues have a hard enough time just trying to breathe without the awful stench of an employee/co-worker dipped & swirled in perfume/cologne.     Why is public service so behind with this? To me, it’s a no-brainer especially at the hospital where health should be the first and foremost priority. Last I heard, the smokers were moved to the sidewalk at the hospital but the puffs of perfume inside are enough to knock out a horse, employees or patients/visitors.     The city implemented a no plastic water bottle policy or bylaw to help save the environment and yet there’s no consideration taken to save the breath of employees or anyone who does business there.     Obviously, I’m missing something or I’m ahead of my time because I don’t think a no-scent policy should have to come from internal or external complaints. I think management at the city and hospital should take the initiative and implement this policy for the health of everyone who needs to breathe. Or am I mistaken? Do these places have this policy in place and I’ve just been unlucky to deal with the stinkers? (No, you don't smell pretty. You stink to some of us) How do other employers deal with this? What do you do if you work closely with people who reek?     I’ve worked where there’s even been a hygiene policy in place and people were sent home to shower. I feel for the co-workers who have nowhere to turn if they are forced to breathe in the overpowering scents.     I think it’s time for management in Public Service workplaces (and all workplaces ideally) to take the initiative and implement no-scent policies and stop putting the onus on employees/customers to make complaints.     JMO and wondering what others have experienced or what opinions are out there on this topic. Thanks! Breathe easy kids "

there is no plastic water bottle ban in city facilities. The vending machines just don't carry bottled water. Though I believe the Sportsplex still sells bottled water. You can bring bottled water all you want and refill those bottles at the filling/water fountains

I believe most places have scent free policies in place but like others have said, it can be hard to enforce. What is strong and disruptive to one individual is different to another.  
 
For myself, strong scents give an instant headache and if I'm around it too long, a migraine. The laundry detergent aisle is horrible!!  
 
I'd never expect people to go scent free but there are some friends who I will ask not to burn candles or scentsy when I'm coming over. They don't mind! (At least I don't think they do lol)

It seems there are some kindred spirits about the detergent aisle.  
I never at ANY time complain about scented people, places, situations. I am older and always considered the scent thing to be MY problem. I adjust my life to suit my preferences.  
I have probably saved a considerable sum staying out of the potpourri drenched gift stores, perfume and cologne, and products that are more expensive just because they have scent.  
Remember PartyLite ? They had only limited candles without scent, so I didn't have to obligation purchase because I was at a friends.  
The latest is AirMoji, replacing Scentsy, ask me how happy I am to escape this one  
I love the smell of real flowers , woodsmoke, fresh mown grass, anything natural.  
I appreciate doctors offices and clinics being scent free.  
Last time I was at a hockey game I ended up behind a woman who'd swam in her perfume bottle and then added half a can of hairspray, I traded with my husband, then shut-up about it, and went home with a headache the size of Texas.  
I am truly lucky and have some considerate friends, who remove their little trees if I get in their vehicle, or shut off their scent things a couple of hours before I come over, but it is what it is. I limit my time in scented environments, and if I want a longer visit, they can come to my place.

This topic really hit some home for me.  
 
I work in a scent free zone. One of my co workers has a problem with it and I fully try and help her out. I've switched all my laundry detergents. Taken pictures of all the soaps I used to show them. Even started hanging clothes on the clothes line to try and help. Thing is nothing helps with her and I feel almost discriminated against now because I've switched so many soaps and it still affects them. It's to the point if I have to ask them a question they want me to meet them outside. I can't even go in there office really cause I smell to much. I don't we're perfume or  
Cologne.  
 
I've stared to look for new work now because I have tried to switch my scent so many times and nothing is helping so I'm just going to remove myself from this situation.

I used to think that people, who complained about scents, were just being extremely sensitive... Boy was I wrong.  
I do not have allergies and, when I'm out in public, scents do not bother me (unless they have bathed in it... Axe body spray is the worst).  
I do work for Prairie Mountain Health and yes, they are scent free facilities. I think that when places are scent free and someone wears a scented product, it is exasperated 10 fold. I notice the smell and it bothers me...has made my eyes water, given me headaches and made me nauseous. So I can certainly sympathize with people who do have allergies.  
Staff and visitors just need to be mindful that this can cause problems for others and can actually make people sick.

Laundry soap causing issues? Damn, that sucks. Hope Tide Free is not among them, as due to skin issues, I will never change from this product. And yes, I have tried many other "free" product, and they still cause reactions. Non-free ones are right out of course.

http://www.avogel.ca/blog/fragrance-allergies-its-not-all-in-your-head/?utm_campaign=204098_en-allergies-3&utm_medium=email&utm_source=bioforce%20canada&dm_i=2NSU4DHE38G4TCPCB1

the older people get the worse their allergies get. I used to be able to stand people's perfume or aftershave but now it leaves me sneezing or coughing Especially the stale stuff.

Me too. So many hints I can't handle now

I don't have any allergies but prefer a more natural approach to things from a health point. Something to try is to make your own laundry soap - 3 bars Ivory soap grated (can be any kind of bar soap), 3 cups washing soda and 3 cups borax, mix and I use 2tbsp per load. Works great for sensitive skin as tide would make my husband itchy. Look up Blue Moon Natural Products on Facebook. She sells the best deodorant and there is a local store that carries it I just can't remember who.

Trevor B said "we all just go au natural, like before deodorant, body washes, perfumes, shampoo, etc. was developed?     I do agree that some put way too much on, but where do we draw the line. Everyone has different reactions to scents. Respect needs to go both ways. "

We don''t all have to do "au natural" just because some scents bother many people. Products like laundry detergents and soap can work just as effectively without the heavy parfumes that seem so ubiquitous today. It''s challenging to find laundry detergents, shampoos, soaps, etc that leave little or no scent, but they do exist. I''m prepared to pay a little more for them too. I like my laundry smelling clean (i.e. nothing) when I take them out of my drawer.  
 
Besides, the smelly thing is all marketing. Most people don''t know what people "naturally" smell like these days. A person who washes daily doesn''t smell very much, and any odor they may have, while distinctive, isn''t necessarily offensive (in some ways, it reminds me of an onion or garlic - an odor but not bad, just distinctive). We''re simply not used to it anymore, because we''ve been sold this idea that we should always smell floral-sweet, and conditioned that it''s somehow socially unacceptable to smell like... well, people.  
 
A really good podcast on marketers using shame as a marketing tool can be found at http://www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/shame-the-secret-tool-of-marketing-1.2801801. It doesn''t look like the podcast is available anymore, but the text and audio/visual samples are still there. They specifically address the issue of body odor.  
 
Edited by Abbysmum, 2017-08-07 10:05:43

Some strong smells bother me and I often get headaches from them. But I don't find lots of people using perfume or cologne like they used to. However, there are tons of people who smell strongly of cigarette smoke, which is more bothersome to me. The ones that smell like stale cigarettes is the worst.