The intent of the Scent-Free Policy
- To increase awareness of the impact scents can have on an individual’s health and well-being.
- To provide policy guidelines on achieving a scent-free environment.
- To reduce the potential hazard(s) posed by scented products.
- To educate individuals on how they can bring scent-related matters forward.
ADLER is committed to providing a healthy, safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
For some people, scented products may negatively impact a person’s overall health and quality of life. Reactions to scented products may impair a person’s ability to function and, in some cases, may be classified as an invisible disability. Sensitivities to scents may be episodic, meaning individuals with scent sensitivities may enjoy periods of time where the sensitivity is not problematic, or it may occasionally flare up. In extreme cases, individuals with scent sensitivities experience scent-related ailments on a regular or persistent basis, often resulting in significant impairment to a person’s ability to function and may present a serious health hazard. For individuals with pre-existing conditions (e.g. allergies, asthma, migraines), exposure to some scents and odours can cause a range of harmful health effects.
Commonly Used Scented Products
The most commonly used scented products include:
- Personal hygiene products (e.g. shampoos, conditioners, soaps, perfumes, deodorants, body fragrances, hair products and sprays, etc.)
- Household and industrial chemicals and cleaners
- Various other household products
Signs are posted within all ADLER designated areas of the building alerting everyone to our Scent-Free Policy and requesting their participation in providing an accessible space for all.
Scent-Free Guidelines
ADLER requests that, whenever possible, you refrain from using or wearing scented personal hygiene products when you know you will be visiting or working at the ADLER facilities.
If you have scented products at your work area or in the classroom, please remove these items and replace them with unscented products if needed.
All cleaning products used within the ADLER facilities aim to be scent-free alternates as available.
If you feel that you suffer from environmental allergies, specifically to scents, ADLER encourages you to visit your medical doctor for a diagnosis.
If you are a staff member or student who reacts negatively to scented products and there is a scent at ADLER that is causing you to have a reaction, we encourage you to bring your concerns to Student Services or your faculty member.
Student Services or your faculty member will provide you with some suggestions on how to discretely address the scent concern in a positive manner with the party or parties concerned. Often, once people are aware that a scented product is causing a negative reaction for another person, they are quite willing to find a remedy to the situation.
Dispute Resolution Process
If you are approached by a staff member or student who has a negative health reaction triggered by scents, take their concerns seriously.
Encourage them to address the situation with the person involved, providing coaching and guidance on the best way to approach the situation (in a positive fashion, expressing their health concern, etc.)
Dealing with the situation swiftly will help minimize any negative impacts on their health and well-being.
Refer to the Ethical Conduct & Dispute Resolution section of the Academic Calendar for further information.