Scent Awareness

Be Scent Aware Poster (copy for printing)

Scents

We usually think of scents as the smells or odours from cosmetics such as perfume, shampoo, deodorant, body spray or from other products. However, the issue with scented products is not as much the smell as it is the chemicals that produce the smell. There are more than 4,000 chemicals that can be used in scented products and a typical fragrance can contain between 100 to 350 chemicals, some that can cause health concerns for people with allergies to those chemicals.

Products That Traditionally Contain Scents And Chemicals

• Shampoo, conditioners, hairspray
• Air fresheners and deodorizers
• Industrial and household chemicals
• Colognes and aftershaves
• Fragrances and perfumes
• Lotions and creams
• Soaps
• Deodorants
• Cosmetics
• Candles

Scent Awareness Links/Resources

The following websites offer more information on chemical sensitivities and scent-free initiatives.  They are meant to give you an idea about the current information and discourse available on these topics.  What is expressed in these pages does not necessarily reflect the University's views.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/scent_free.html

Lung Association: https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/air-quality/indoor-air-quality/scents

Perfume in the Workplace: http://canadasafetycouncil.org/workplace-safety/perfume-workplace

Environmental Health Assn NS Guide to Less Toxic Products: https://www.lesstoxicguide.ca/

Canadian Medical Association Journal: To provide a balanced approach: http://www.cmaj.ca/content/183/6/E315.full.pdf

Many people are extremely sensitive to perfumes, colognes, aftershaves and other scented products. Please do not wear them while you are on Campus. 

If you have any questions or comments on the information above please email us.