Scents in the workplace

Have you ever walked into someone's office and all you could smell was their perfume or cologne? Well for some of us this can cause some real problems.

For some people the simple smell of a perfume or cologne can cause some major health issues that can last for quite a while. The reaction would be a slight tickle in the throat to something as made as major asthma attacks. The reaction can also last from a couple of minutes to several hours depending on the severity of the allergy/sensitivity.

There are a lot of places where scents are not allowed and I am one of those that totally supports this type of policy. I know that hospitals and clinics have started requesting individuals visiting these locations to avoid using perfume or cologne prior the to the visit. I am one of those individuals that has a hard time dealing with different perfume, colognes and even some candle scents. Normally I can deal with it if I can get out of the area quick enough but other times that just a quick smell of something can result in a hoarse voice and congestion for several hours.

When you have a condition that effects your breathing it makes it hard to focus once a reaction has started. For me, I just have to slow down for a while, use my inhaler and take it easy until the reaction eases. I do know that my asthma is triggered by these scents so I always have to be careful when out in malls, especially close to Mother's day, Valentine's day and Christmas. These occasions seem to be the times where stores really want to promote giving perfume as a gift to someone.

It is rather difficult to totally avoid all the different scents around us, but at least I can avoid most of them. So if you enjoy wearing cologne please remember that there are some of us that will suffer because of what you are wearing.

Remember, a scent is not limited to perfume or cologne as the scent can also be in candles, hairsprays, lotions, soaps, air fresheners, etc. If possible, please remember that you may enjoy the scent but someone else in the area may be having some issues because of it.