Information Package for Scent-Free Congratulations on deciding to work towards becoming scent-free. Enclosed, please find an information package on the procedures to follow to facilitate this. Schools are making this decision due to the reactions of several students and staff members who suffer from environmental sensitivities and reactions to fragrances and/or scents. This issue must be dealt with in a timely manner because extended exposure to the fragrances and/or scents increases the severity of such reactions. Once an individual has developed a fragrance irritation, the sensitivity generally increase with time and repeated exposure. This is why it is beneficial for students and community members to recognize and respect the individuals where these sensitivities exist. Many universities are also promoting scent-free initiatives with the increase of individuals affects by scents in our global community. Some of these universities include Dalhousie University, the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Guelph, among others. Please contact Jo-Anne Thornthwaite through FirstClass or at Sullivan Elementary at 604-597-1977 for more help and information.
Communication: Each worksite will develop a means of fully informing all employees of the policy, so they know what they have to do. This will be done through the site-based health and safety committee or staff committee. Notification: All building users affected by the policy/program need to be informed and educated. Notification of the policy should include signs and posters in the school, such as THIS IS A SCENT-FREE SCHOOL. As well, notification and background information should be sent to parents through a notice or newsletter. It is essential to have a copy of the policy or program directives posted in the school. Signs: Signs need to be visual, universal and perhaps multilingual. Signs may be obtained from the Canadian Lung Association. Call 604-731-5864 or 1-800-665-lung. www.bc.lung.ca Example of wording: Welcome to Our Scent-free School Many people are extremely sensitive to perfumes, colognes, aftershaves and other scented products. Please refrain from wearing them at our worksite. Thank you! Notices: Electronic and hard copy notification for events such as Professional Development days, meetings, workshops, etc., should contain a standard statement requesting that participants and presenters refrain from wearing scented products at the events. Letterhead: Participating schools stationery can show this statement: Name of school, a scent free school. TOC Notification: TOC Dispatch office will put special instructions on the callout for your school. Instructions should also be placed in the TOC folder at the site. CUPE Notification: SEAs and CCWs would have to put notification in the message to the sub. Clerks have to call HR and would have to ask either Alba or Debbie to let the sub know about the policy. Itinerant Teachers/District Staff/ (ie coordinators, support teachers): Persons in these categories should be notified about scent free schools within their caseloads in the district. 2
Presentations: Group members are willing to present information about scent free issues to school staffs, Administrators, DPAC, PACs, Trustees. What are some health effects of scented products? Asthma symptoms Watery or dry eyes Double vision Sneezing and nasal congestion Sinusitis Ear pain Dizziness Rashes and hives Breathing problems, especially for people with lung diseases Headaches Fatigue Nausea Depression Muscle and joint pain High blood pressure Swollen lymph glands What types of products contain scents? Scents are included in a very large range of products including: Shampoo and conditioners Hairsprays Deodorants Colognes & aftershaves Fragrances & perfumes Lotions & creams Potpourri Industrial and household chemicals Soaps Cosmetics Air fresheners & deodorizers Oils Candles Diapers Some types of garbage bags Websites: CASLE www.cgebycti,bs,ca/education/casle Canadian Human Rights www.chrc-ccdp.ca Research_program_recherche/esensitives_legal_hypersensibilitie Scentfree.dal.ca http://www.ccohs.ca/ccohs/important.html 3
Ideas from a Scent-free School Bow Valley is a school in Alberta that has gone scent-free. Right on their website, it announces that they are a scent-free school. There is a link to a power-point presentation. Their website address is http://plone.rockyview.ab.ca/bowvalley This is what is says in the student planner. SCENT-FREE SCHOOL Bow Valley High School is committed to providing a healthy and comfortable school environment for our students, staff, and parents. It is our expectation that this move to a scent-free school be respected and supported by the entire Bow Valley High School community. Effective March 31, 2008, we request that anyone coming into BVHS refrain from using or wearing scented and fragranced products; in addition, use of scented products while in the building is prohibited throughout the school. On the following page is a copy of the letter sent to parents. After the letter, please find a list of scent-free products. 4
February 29, 2008 Dear parents/guardians: Bow Valley High School (BVHS) has several students and staff members who have been identified as having serious fragrance and/or scent allergies and sensitivities. To date, every attempt has been made to address this issue and minimize the impact on these individuals. We have sent letters home to parents and included information about scent and fragrance allergies in our newsletters and on our website as a way to encourage voluntary compliance with being scent free around the scent/fragrance free zones currently designated in the school. Unfortunately, our efforts have not met with great success, and we have been unable to decrease the severe reactions these individuals continue to experience. Therefore, after carefully considering extensive research and information provided by Occupational Health and Safety and the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and consulting with Rocky View School Division s Central Office, BVHS students and staff, and the BVHS School Council, we have decided that we need to become a scent-free school in order to provide a healthy environment for all members of our school community. Many other educational institutions, such as the University of Calgary and Dalhousie University, have also adopted scent-free policies. Moving to a scent-free school will require a transition period to help students, staff, and community members adjust to restrictions and the removal of scented products. This adjustment period will take place over the month of March. Staff and students will be provided with information and facts about the scent and fragrance allergies. In particular, strong perfumes and aftershaves, as well as body sprays such as Axe, have been problematic. A list of scent-free/fragrance-free products will be posted on our website for students, parents, and staff. In order for you to be better informed about scent and fragrance allergies, please review the PowerPoint presentation posted on our website. Included in this PowerPoint are several links to websites that can provide further information on the topic. If you have any questions after reviewing the PowerPoint, please contact administration for clarification. Bow Valley High School is committed to providing a healthy and comfortable school environment for our students, staff, and parents. It is our expectation that this move to a scent-free school be respected and supported by the entire Bow Valley High School community. Effective March 31, 2008, we request that anyone coming into BVHS refrain from using or wearing scented and fragranced products; in addition, use of scented products while in the building is prohibited throughout the school. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Susan Poole Principal 5
These products can be purchased at Safeway or Shoppers Drug Mart. Anti-perspirant ARM & HAMMER Invisible (Unscented) ARRID XX Gel (Unscented) ARRID XX Solid (Unscented) BAN Clear (Fragrance Free) BAN Ultra (Unscented) DOVE Silk Protection Soft Solid (Unscented) DOVE Invisible Solid (Unscented) DOVE Original Solid (Unscented) DOVE Roll-On (Unscented) DOVE Ultra Dry (Unscented) DRY IDEA (Unscented) LADY SPEED STICK Gel (Unscented) LADY SPEED STICK Invisible (Unscented) LIFE Action (Unscented) LIFE Action Plus (Unscented) MITCHUM (Unscented) OLD SPICE Red Zone (Unscented) ORIGINAL DEGREE (Unscented) RIGHT GUARD Sport (Unscented) SAFEWAY Ladies Invisible Stick (Unscented) SAFEWAY Ultra (Unscented) SECRET Gentle Care (Unscented) SECRET Solid (Unscented) SECRET Platinum Protection (Unscented) SECRET Sheer Dry Gel Solid (Unscented) SPEED Stick Ultimate (Unscented) Deodorant (roll-on) ARRID Extra Dry Roll-On (Unscented) JASON Clearly Fresh & Natural Deodorant (Unscented) KISS MY FACE Liquid Rock Roll-on Deodorant (Fragrance-Free) LAFE S Natural Crystal Hemp Oil Deodorant (Unscented) MITCHUM Roll-On (Unscented) NATURALLY FRESH Deodorant Crystal Roll-On (Fragrance Free) SECRET Roll-On (Unscented) TOM S OF MAINE Roll-On Deodorant (Unscented) Deodorant (stick) ARM & HAMMER Advanced Deodorancy (Unscented) BOTANICAL Unscented Deodorant (No Perfume) KISS MY FACE Active Enzyme Natural Stick Deodorant (Fragrance Free) MARCELLE Stick Deodorant (Perfume Free) TOM S of MAINE Natural Deodorant (Unscented) Soap AVEENO Moisturizing Bar (Fragrance Free) DOVE Beauty Bar (Unscented) DOVE Sensitive Skin Dove Bar (without fragrance) 6
DOVE Sensitive Skin Body Wash (Unscented) JERGEN S Naturals Skin Care Bar (Unscented) LEVER 2000 Sensitive Skin Deodorant Soap (Unscented) MARCELLE Soap (Perfume Free) NEUTROGENA Transparent Facial Bar (Fragrance Free) SOAP WORKS Goat Milk Soap (does not contain perfumes) Face Cream ALMAY Milk Plus Facial Cream (Fragrance Free) GLAXAL BASE Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin (Perfume-Free) MARCELLE Skin Care Line (Perfume Free) NEOSTRATA Daytime Smoothing Cream (Fragrance Free) NEUTROGENA Liquid Facial Cleansing Formula (Fragrance Free) OIL OF OLAY Complete Care Daily Moisturizing Lotion (100% Fragrance Free) OIL OF OLAY Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Cream (100% Fragrance Free) ROC Skin Care Line (Without Perfume) Hand & Body Lotion @MOSPHERE Bath & Body (Fragrance Free) ALMAY Skin Care Line (100% Fragrance Free) AQUATAIN Moisturizing Lotion (Unscented) AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Lotion (Fragrance Free) AVEENO Soothing Bath Treatment (Fragrance Free) CETAPHIL Moisturizing Lotion (Fragrance Free) COMPLEX 15 Body Lotion (Unscented) CUREL Therapeutic Moisturizing Lotion (Fragrance Free) CURELLE Hand & Body Lotion (Unscented) DOVE 1 / 4 Moisturizing Cream White Bars (Unscented) DOVE Moisturizing Body Wash (Unscented) GLAXAL BASE Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin (Perfume-Free) JERGENS Ultra Care Lotion (Fragrance Free) KERI LOTION Fast Absorbing (Fragrance Free) KERI LOTION Skin Renewal (Fragrance Free) LIFE Bath Treatment (Fragrance Free) LUBRIDERM Unscented Lotion MARCELLE Skin Care Line (Perfume Free) NATURE S GATE Herbal Skin Therapy Colloidal Oatmeal NEOSTRATA Body Lotion (Fragrance Free) NEUTROGENA Lip Moisturizer (Fragrance Free) NEUTROGENA Body Oil (Fragrance Free) NEUTROGENA Norwegian Formula Hand Cream (Fragrance Free) NEUTROGENA Norwegian Formula Body Emulsion (Fragrance Free) NEUTROGENA Norwegian Formula Body Moisturizer (Fragrance Free) NIVEA Body Lotion (Fragrance Free) NOXEMA Sensitive (100% Fragrance Free) NOXEMA Sensitive Skin Cream (100% Fragrance Free) OLAY Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Body Wash (Unscented) phisoderm Sensitive (Unscented) phisoderm Skin Cleaner & Conditioner (Unscented) ROC Skin Care Line (Without Perfume) VASELINE Intensive Care Total Care (Unscented) 7
VASELINE Problem Skin Therapy (Unscented) Shaving Cream EDGE Active Care Shave Gel Ultra Sensitive 9Unscented) GLAXAL BASE Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin (Perfume-Free) KISS MY FACE Moisture Shave (Fragrance-Free) Makeup (foundation, blush, mascara, eye shadow, lipliner, lipstick, etc.) ALMAY makeup Line (100% Fragrance Free) ECCO BELLA Natural Cosmetics (We leave out the fragrance) MARCELLE Makeup Line (Perfume Free) NEUTROGENA Makeup Line (Fragrance Free) NIVEA Eye Make-Up Remover (Fragrance Free) NIVEA Soothing Eye Gel (Fragrance Free) Hair Styling Gel or Mousse ALBERTO EUROPEAN Salon Styling Mousse (Unscented) DIPPITY-DO Sport Gel (NEW: Unscented) Hair Shampoo & Conditioner @MOSPHERE Shampoo & Conditioner (Fragrance Free) MARCELLE Shampoo (Perfume Free) NATURE CLEAN Herbal Shampoo (Fragrance Free) NATURE CLEAN Organic Conditioner (Fragrance Free) SUPER CAREFREE 2-in-1 Conditioning Shampoo (Free of Perfume) Hair Spray ADORN Natural Hold Hair Spray (Unscented) ALBERTO EUROPEAN Flexible Hair Spray (Unscented) ALBERTO VO5 Ultra Non-Aerosol Hair Spray (Unscented) CLAIROL Final Net (Unscented) FINESSE Firm Hold Non-Aerosol Hair Spray (Unscented) MARCELLE Non-Aerosol Hair Spray (Perfume Free) SALONSELECTIVES Medium Hold Finish Spray (Unscented) Foot Care NATURALLY FRESH Deodorant Crystal Foot Spray (Fragrance Free) Sunscreen MARCELLE Protective Block (Perfume Free) MARCELLE Sun Block Cream (Perfume Free) NEUTROGENA UVA/UVB Sunblock (Fragrance Free) Tanning Mist MARCELLE Self-Tanning spray (Perfume Free) Laundry Detergent (liquid) CHEER Free SEVENTH GENERATION Natural Laundry Detergent Free & Clear of Perfumes/Dyes TIDE Free of Dyes and Perfumes (green cap) 8
Laundry Detergent (powder) CHEER Free NATURE CLEAN Natural Laundry Powder(Unscented) SAFEWAY SELECT Ultra II Free (without Perfumes) SEVENTH GENERATION Natural Laundry Detergent Free & Clear of Perfumes/Dyes TIDE Free of Dyes and Perfumes VIP Hypo-Allergenic Soap Granules Laundry Bleach NATURE CLEAN Natural Liquid Bleach (Formulated without perfumes) SEVENTH GENERATION Non-Chlorine Bleach Free & Clear of Perfumes & Dyes Laundry Fabric Softener BOUNCE Free (Free of dyes & perfumes) LIFE Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets (Unscented) NATURE CLEAN Natural Fabric Softener (Unscented) SAFEWAY Fabric Softener Sheets (Fragrance Free) Dishwashing NATURE CLEAN Natural Dishwashing Liquid (Formulated without perfumes) NATURE CLEAN Natural Dishwasher Powder (Free of perfume) SEVENTH GENERATION Natural Dish Liquid (Free & Clear of perfumes & dyes) SEVENTH GENERATION Automatic Dishwashing Detergent (Free & Clear) Glass Cleaner NATURE CLEAN Natural Window Glass Cleaner (Unscented) Toilet Bowl Cleaner NATURE CLEAN Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner (Formulated without perfumes) All Purpose Household Cleaner NATURE CLEAN All Purpose Cleaning Lotion (Fragrance Free) SEVENTH GENERATION Citra-Fresh Multi-Purpose Heavy Duty Cleaner & Degreaser Residential, Industrial & Janitorial Cleaners (allergysolution.com)(bebbington.ns.ca) BIOCLEANSING Biodeodorizer Eliminates odors at their source at their website: allergysolution.com BIOCLEANSING Floor Cleaner (No Scent) GREEN KNIGHT Neutral Cleaner (Scent Free) for institutions with scent-free policies at their website: bebbington.ns.ca GREEN KNIGHT General Purpose Cleaner (Scent Free) GREEN KNIGHT Degreaser (Scent Free) GREEN KNIGHT Degreaser GK-501 (Scent Free) GREEN KNIGHT Spray Cleaner (Scent Free) 9