Fragrance Free Policy
Fragrances in personal care products have been linked to a wide range of health issues from asthma, migraines, eye and skin irritation, allergies to cancer and reproductive issues. Fragrance is often found in lotions, perfumes, soaps, shampoos, makeup and deodorant. Most people use at least one of these personal care products on a daily basis, with the majority of people using many items each day containing fragrance.
An effective fragrance-free policy would be very difficult to design and implement. I know many hospitals have fragrance-free policies, but I am not certain how they enforce the policy. When I worked at a hospital, I was told not to wear perfume or any personal products with fragrance, but I noticed that many people still did wear some fragrance.
I think the key to a fragrance-free policy would be to educate all employees. First, educate employees on what is considered a fragrance. Then, educate them on the potential harmful effects the fragrance could have on them or other people around them. This is extremely important in a healthcare setting where people are sick and vulnerable. Finally, educate them on where fragrances are found and how to avoid them as well as potential alternatives. It would likely take a while to implement such a policy, but the efforts would be worthwhile for everyone's' health.
An effective fragrance-free policy would be very difficult to design and implement. I know many hospitals have fragrance-free policies, but I am not certain how they enforce the policy. When I worked at a hospital, I was told not to wear perfume or any personal products with fragrance, but I noticed that many people still did wear some fragrance.
I think the key to a fragrance-free policy would be to educate all employees. First, educate employees on what is considered a fragrance. Then, educate them on the potential harmful effects the fragrance could have on them or other people around them. This is extremely important in a healthcare setting where people are sick and vulnerable. Finally, educate them on where fragrances are found and how to avoid them as well as potential alternatives. It would likely take a while to implement such a policy, but the efforts would be worthwhile for everyone's' health.
As an employee of the the hospital I at first didn't understand the need to be "fragrance free," especially when a majority of the patients themselves come in smelling like bath & body works sometimes (super pungent smells!) but the more I started working with leukemia patients, I noticed they became intensely sensitive to smells. Once during my lunch break I was microwaved my pasta - I came to check on a patient and she had mentioned that the smell of my pasta from my hair (or what she claimed the smell came from) had made her nauseous and want to gag. I felt terrible but I'm sure that's not the only reason why smells / perfumes are not welcomed in hospital settings but I took it as a lesson either way - perfume or scents...don't do it!
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