Fragrances banned in some government offices and hospitals

Providing relief to allergy sufferers and chemically sensitive persons

Public buildings can accommodate allergy sufferers
and MCS sufferers with no-scent policies.

As chemical sensitivity and allergy rates soar, many public buildings have become a “no-scent” zone to accommodate those who may react to strong fragrances and perfumes.

In Tuttle, Oklahoma, city hall visitors wearing perfumes are asked to remain at the front of the building. City workers in Portland, Oregon, have been banned from using fragrance.

A medical center in Bremerton, Washington, also asks employees and visitors to skip scents and to choose less fragrant flowers, and a hospital in Windom, Minnesota has been fragrance-free since 1999.

What is in fragrances and perfumes?

Perfumes and fragrances, or aroma compounds, are chemical compounds that have a smell or odor.

Perfumes can also contain essential oils, solvents and fixatives. The precise formula of commercial perfumes and fragrances is often kept secret.

Evidence in peer-reviewed journals shows that some fragrances can cause asthmatic reactions in some individuals, especially those with severe or atopic asthma.

Many fragrance ingredients can also cause headaches, allergic skin reactions or nausea.

In a two-phase population study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, perfume was one of three main culprits of triggering attacks in people with chemical sensitivities, along with cleaning agents and pesticides.

Source: USA Today, other

Cleaning the air indoors with carbon + HEPA filters

While source control is one of the most effective ways to control irritants and indoor air pollutants, it’s not always possible to ensure that such a ban or policy is followed at all times.

Activated carbon: Best filter for
chemicals, odors and gases.

Fortunately, the right type of air cleaner can provide cleaner and healthier air around the clock and without adding any harmful byproducts to the ambient air.

Electrocorp has developed air cleaners for commercial and industrial applications that feature a powerful activated carbon and HEPA plus optional UV germicidal filtration combo to offer the best overall protection from common indoor air contaminants.

Among other uses, Electrocorp air cleaners can be found in

• Offices and office buildings
• Hospitals and healthcare settings
• Universities and schools

For more information, contact Electrocorp today: 1-866-667-0297.
  

Workplace policies to accommodate chemical sensitivities

There are ways to protect chemically sensitive
workers from low level everyday exposures.

Chemical sensitivities are on the rise – experts estimate that up to 16 percent of the population may be affected by low levels of everyday chemicals at home and on the job.

While some people develop extreme chemical sensitivities that are chronic and disabling, others can be managed with the right types of precautionary measures and policies.

In a recent presentation with the title “Accommodating Consumers and Staff with Chemical Sensitivities” by the National Center for Environmental Health Strategies, Inc., Mary Lamielle listed workplace policies and measures that are recommended for people affected by CS.

The recommendations include

• No smoking policy
• Fragrance-free policy
• Integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pesticide exposure
• Promotion of least toxic  or low impact cleaning and maintenance products, practices, materials and remodeling substances
• Notification policy
• Vehicle idling policy
• Cell phone and EMF shielding policy
• Private office with window that opens for person with chemical sensitivities
• Increasing fresh air supply and ventilation
• Swap carpeting with hard surface flooring and discuss suitability of all materials with affected person
• Keep immediate work environment free of office equipment (i.e. large format printers)
• Off-gas all new materials, furnishings, supplies before installation
• Metal or glass desk and shelving (no veneered wood or particle board to avoid formaldehyde emissions)
• Work schedule options and work-from-home options
• Educate management and co-workers to avert stigma and harassment

Carbon or charcoal is the best
air filter media for chemicals,
gases and odors.

A worker with chemical sensitivities may also need to use a charcoal mask or other personal protection equipment, oxygen, a carbon + HEPA air filter, a reading box, low emission equipment and localized exhaust for office equipment, incandescent or natural lighting as opposed to fluorescent lighting, a speaker phone and intercom system to participate in meetings as well as an assistant or errand runner.

Source: National Center for Environmental Health Strategies, Inc.

Carbon and HEPA air cleaners for the workplace

Good indoor air quality is a must for workers suffering from chemical sensitivities.

Unfortunately, most indoor environments – including offices, schools, restaurants, hospitals and other settings – can expose workers to indoor air pollutants such as chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold.

Electrocorp has developed highly efficient and portable air cleaners for commercial and industrial applications that feature the most relevant filtration media (deep-bed granular activated carbon and HEPA plus optional UV germicidal filtration), the largest adsorbent surface areas and the most customizable options and features.

Contact Electrocorp for more information.