April 20th 2008

Fragrance & Scenting in the Workplace

On the issue of ‘personal scent marketing’ (surely that’s what it is when I wear a fragrance?) -  I’m all for making myself smell more attractive by using fragrance. I guess it all depends which fragrance I choose to wear as to how attractive I am to others… it’s a very personal thing.  There are so many perfumes that instantly remind me of friends – and even specific experiences. It’s a powerful pull on memory.  However, I have a friend who works for a big corporate in the US and they’ve been talking about introducing a ‘scent-free’ workplace. Quite frankly, I think that’s the most absurd workplace rule I’ve heard in a long time. Surely it’s just taking things too far!? Does that mean you can’t wear deodorant???  And how on earth do they plan to monitor such a rule? I’d love to hear what other people think about this.


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28/5/2008 Lizzie:

I’m a healthy, fit 30-something successful engineer. But when one of the people in my office decides to wear perfume or cologne to work, it brings me to my knees. Huge headache, muscle tension in my neck and shoulders — it’s dramatic and immediate and I have to leave the area.

I think people like me are the proverbial canary in the coalmine. It’s just a matter of time before scientists confirm and the public learns that synthetic fragrances harm *everyone*. The fragrance industry “regulates” itself and does not have our best interests in mind. Search Calvin Klein’s perfume “Eternity” on the web and witness the vast soup of harmful or untested chemicals of which it’s composed.
16/6/2008 Lauren:

While it’s unfortunate that some people experience negative reactions to certain fragrances, it’s not entirely true that the fragrance industry regulates itself and uses untested chemicals.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the official representative body of the fragrance industry worldwide and dedicated research programs do exist to ensure the safe use of fragrance materials. Any reputable perfume company would develop fragrances in compliance with the latest IFRA standards and regulations so it’s not as though random chemicals are just being thrown together to create a pleasant scent.

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