The Town of Huntsville is launching a public awareness campaign about the adverse effects of scented products on those with asthma, allergies and environmental sensitivities.
Scented products are all around us. They are in many cleaning products, air fresheners, and personal hygiene products, including soaps, shampoos, lotions, powders, and of course, perfumes and colognes.
According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, scented products can have an adverse effect on those with asthma, allergies and environmental sensitivities. Even in small amounts, they can trigger upper respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and even anxiety and depression. The effects can range from mild to debilitating.
“In keeping with our commitment to promoting social well-being, the Town already has a scent-free policy for its staff at Town facilities,” says Director of Community Services Kari Lambe, “but we want to expand that by raising the public’s awareness of how scents can negatively affect people’s health and ask for their cooperation in minimizing their use when attending Town facilities.”
What you can do to help
Out of consideration for those with asthma, allergies and environmental sensitivities, the Town is asking everyone who is in a Town facility not to use scented products on-site, and to minimize their use if planning to visit a Town facility.
“This is not a binding directive. It would be very difficult to enforce a universal ban on scented products,” notes Lambe. “This is a matter of educating the public and raising awareness. We believe that if people understand that scents can negatively affect others, many will bear that in mind when choosing cleaning and personal hygiene products. And that makes for a more comfortable environment.”
We greatly appreciate everyone’s cooperation and attention to this matter. Visit the Scent Sensitivity page on the Town of Huntsville website for more information.
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